HISTORY  OF 

THEjjNlVERSITY^ 

OF  THE  gOUTH 


.••u-  -  .;  •"      ;  vi  xv* 


LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 

Class 


HISTORY 


OF 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  SOUTH, 


AT 


SEWANEE,  TENNESSEE, 

FROM 

Its  founding  by  the  Southern  Bishops,  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  in  1857  to  the  year  1905. 

BY 

GEORGE  R.  FAIRBANKS,  M.  A.,  Un.'Coll.,Trin.  Coll. 


One  of  its  founders  and  long-time  Trustee.    Still  connected  with 
the  Board  of  Trustees  and  its  Executive  Committees. 


JACKSONVILLE.  FLA. 

THE  H.  St.  W.  B.  DREW  COMPANY 

1905 


SENERAI 


PREFACE. 


Nearly  half  a  century  has  elapsed  since  the  meeting  on 
Lookout  Mountain  (on  July  4th,  1857),  composed  of  bishops, 
clerical  and  lay  delegates,  considered  and  adopted  plans  for 
building  up  at  the  South  a  university  of  learning  which  should 
meet  the  requirements  for  higher  education  of  youth  in  the 
Southern  States  of  the  Union,  and  carry  out,  what  was  not 
permitted  in  State  institutions,  the  association  of  religion  and 
learning. 

The  story  of  the  beginnings  of  the  enterprise  before  the 
war  between  the  States,  and  its  utter  prostration  during  that 
dreadful  period,  the  heroic  efforts  made  at  the  close  of  the  war 
to  resuscitate  the  great  scheme  projected  by  Bishop  Polk  and 
his  associates,  is  a  story  of  no  ordinary  interest,  and  it  seems 
to  the  author  of  the  work,  being  now  the  only  survivor  of  that 
body,  but  fit  and  proper  that  a  record  should  be  made  of  the 
founding,  the  encouraging  beginning,  the  sad  overthrowal,  and 
the  successful  efforts  made  to  re-establish  it  upon  the  old  plans 
and  foundations,  which  have  ultimately  led  to  the  carrying  out, 
in  some  degree,  of  those  plans,  and  the  establishment  upon  a 
permanent  basis  of  the  University  of  the  South. 

Those  of  the  present  generation  can  but  faintly  understand 
or  appreciate  the  trials  and  struggles  which  it  cost  those  engaged 
in  the  work,  or  the  self-sacrifices  undergone  in  order  to  save 
and  sustain  the  institution  in  times  that  tried  men's  souls,  and 
few,  I  fear,  realize  what  a  debt  of  gratitude  they  owe  for  the 
present  condition  of  the  University,  to  the  men  of  the  past  who 
have  been  connected  with  the  work. 


iv  PREFACE. 

The  transition  from  the  simple  log  homes  in  which  its 
re-founder,  Bishop  Quintard,  and  the  writer,  domiciled  our 
families  in  1866,  almost  alone  in  the  unbroken  forest,  and  the 
one  frame  building  named  Otey  Hall,  to  the  many  beautiful 
buildings  of  the  University  and  the  homes  of  the  cultivated 
and  refined  society  of  Sewanee  as  it  now  is,  is  a  striking  con- 
trast indeed. 

To  perpetuate,  in  some  degree,  the  labors  and  sacrifices 
made  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  University,  and  to  follow,  step  by 
step,  its  gradual  growth,  is  a  labor  of  love  and  reverential 
regard.  It  is  hoped  that  these  pages  will  increase,  in  its  alumni 
and  friends,  the  already  fervent  Sewanee  spirit,  and  create 
that  reverence  for  the  past,  and  for  the  men  who,  under  God's 
merciful  Providence,  labored  for  the  accomplishment  of  the 
great  and  ennobling  thought  of  Polk,  Otey,  Elliott  and  Green, 
and  later  on  of  Quintard,  and  their  associates,  to  build  up  for 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  mankind,  this  Christian  seat 
of  learning,  for  which  we  may  well  all  pray,  in  the  words  of 
Bishop  Elliott  at  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  in  1860: 

Esto  Pcrpetua. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PAGE, 

Early  efforts  of  Bishop  Otey,  of  Tennessee,  to  establish  a 
church  college  and  seminary  for  the  dioceses  of  Tennessee, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana  and  Arkansas 1 


CHAPTER  II. 
1856. 

The  initial  steps  taken  by  Bishop  Polk  to  create  a  university 
for  the  Southern  States,  and  action  of  the  Southern  bishops 
in  reference  thereto  .  11 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  meeting  of  bishops  and  clerical  and  lay  delegates  on 
Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  on  July  4,  1857,  and 
adoption  of  a  plan  of  organization  for  a  university 22 


CHAPTER  IV. 
1857. 

The  adjourned  meeting  held  at  Montgomery,  Alabama,  in 
November,  1857— Selection  of  a  location — Application  for 
a  charter — Selection  of  a  name — Subsequent  meetings  held 
at  Beersheba  Springs,  Tenn.,  and  New  Orleans,  La. — Charter 
accepted  28 


vi  CONTENTS 


PACK- 
CHAPTER  V. 

1860. 

First  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  at  Sewanee,  Tenn., 
in  October,  1860 — Adoption  of  a  constitution  and  statutes — 
Laying  of  cornerstone,  on  October  10,  1860 38 


CHAPTER  VI. 
1861. 

Tribute  to  Bishops  Polk,  Otey  and  Elliott — Events  subsequent 
to  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone — Secession  of  the  Confeder- 
ate States — Organization  of  the  church  in  the  South — Meet- 
ing of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  in  October, 
1861  


CHAPTER  VII. 
1865-66. 

The  effort  for  the  resuscitation  of  the  University,  in  1865 — 
Action  taken  by  the  convention  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee 
toward  establishing  a  training  school — Election  of  the  Rev. 
Chas.  T.  Quintard  as  bishop  of  Tennessee,  and  his  work  to 
effect  this  purpose — Meeting  of  the  trustees  at  Sewanee  in 
1866,  and  determination  to  resume  the  work 70 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Progress  of  affairs  during  the  year  1867 — Efforts  to  raise 
funds  at  home  for  the  work...  82 


CONTENTS.  vii 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
1867. 

Meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Sewanee  in  August,  1867—- 
Action  taken  in  reference  to  the  approaching  meeting  of  the 
Pan-Anglican  Council  in  England — Visit  of  Bishop  Quin- 
tard  to  England,  and  material  aid  received  for  the  Univer- 
sity    91 


CHAPTER  X. 
1868. 

Election  and  consecration  of  Bishop  Beckwith,  as  bishop  of 
Georgia — Meeting  of  the  trustees  at  Savannah,  Ga.,  on  April 
2,  1868 — Decision  of  the  board  to  open  the  junior  depart- 
ment of  the  University  not  later  than  September  1,  1868— 
Selection  of  General  Josiah  Gorgas  as  head  of  the  school — 
Formal  opening  of  the  junior  department  on  September  18, 
1868  96 


CHAPTER  XI. 
1869. 

Progress  in  the  year  1869 — Bishop  Quintard's  report  as  vice 
chancellor  and  recommendations — Report  of  the  commis- 
sioner of  buildings  and  lands  as  to  erection  of  buildings  and 
leases  of  lots — Plans  for  raising  an  endowment  considered 
— Appointment  of  professors  and  officers 103 


Tin  CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

1870. 

Increased  number  of  students — Erection  of  library  building — 
Meeting  of  board  of  trustees  in  July,  1870 — Vice  Chancellor 
Quintard  urges  expansion  of  the  work — Report  of  com- 
mittee in  reference  to  opening  the  schools  of  the  University  110 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
1871. 

Action  of  the  board  in  reference  to  leases  on  the  domain — 
Separation  of  the  grammar  school  from  the  other  depart- 
ments, and  its  organization — Litigation  in  reference  to  the 
lands  of  the  University — Founding  of  the  E.  Q.  B.  Club. . .  123 


CHAPTER  XIV. 
1871. 

Views  of  Bishop  Quintard  as  to  the  religious  character  and 
demands  of  the  University — Increase  of  students — Leases 
and  residences — Statement  of  the  plans  of  the  founders  as 
to  buildings  to  be  erected 132 


CHAPTER  XV. 
1872. 

Vice  Chancellor  Quintard  urges  immediate  action  to  obtain 
an  endowment  fund — Plans  of  endowment  suggested — 
$500,000  to  be  sought  for— Bishop  Quintard  requested  to 
undertake  this  work  .  .  142 


CONTENTS.  ix 

PACK. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1873-1874. 

The  theological  department  inaugurated  by  the  election  of 
a  professor  of  systematic  divinity — Regulations  as  to  the 
order  of  gownsmen  adopted — The  cornerstone  of  the 
Hodgson  Library  Building  laid — Bishop  Quintard  requested 
to  go  to  England  in  the  interest  of  the  University 153 


CHAPTER  XVII. 
1875. 

Bishop  Quintard's  second  visit  to  England,  in  1876 — Aid  for 
the  University  received  from  English  churchmen — Dr.  Geo. 
T.  Wilmer  elected  professor  in  theological  department — 
Passage  of  the  Four-Mile  Law  by  Legislature  of  Tennessee 
— Its  beneficial  effects  .  ,  162 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

1878. 

Depressing  condition  of  the  affairs  of  the  University  in  1878 — 
The  financial  outlook  discouraging — The  hebdomadal  board 
agrees  to  undertake  the  work  of  sustaining  the  academic 
department — Election  of  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  as 
dean  of  the  theological  department 176 


CONTENTS. 


PACK. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
1878-1879. 

The  academic  department  under  the  control  of  the  hebdoma- 
dal board — Meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1879 — The 
views  of  the  hebdomadal  board  presented  to  the  board  of 
trustees — Financial  condition  of  the  University — Measures 
taken  to  fund  its  indebtedness .  193 


CHAPTER  XX. 
1880-1881. 

The  university  commission  continued  for  one  year — Financial 
condition  still  depressing — A  more  complete  organization 
of  the  military  department— Plans  for  university  build- 
ings— Issue  of  bonds — Support  of  theological  department. .  208 


CHAPTER  XXI. 
1882-1883. 

The  University  commission  discontinued — Financial  condition 
and  number  of  students — Proposal  to  change  the  name  of 
the  University  from  The  University  of  the  South  to  The 
University  of  Sewanee — The  trustees  undertake  the  erection 
of  a  chemical  and  philosophical  hall — Conference  held  at 
Sewanee  on  the  problem  of  the  relation  of  the  church  to 
the  colored  race 219 


CONTENTS.  xi 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
1883. 

Report  of  special  committee  on  proposed  change  of  name — 
Organization  of  a  hotel  company — Completion  of  Thompson 
Hall — Constitution  amended  so  as  to  give  representation  in 
the  board  of  trustees  to  the  missionary  institutions  and 
to  the  alumni  232 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
1884-1886. 

Proposition  made  to  erect  grammar  school  buildings  near 
Morgan  Steep — Renewal  of  approval  of  the  Bishop 
Hopkin's  plans  of  location  of  buildings — Laying  of  the 
cornerstone  of  Convocation  Hall 240 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 
1886. 

The  location  and  plans  for  the  permanent  buildings  discussed 
in  the  board  of  trustees — A  paper  as  to  the  plans  of  the 
founders  of  the  University,  by  Geo.  R.  Fairbanks,  a  lay 
trustee  from  the  diocese  of  Florida,  read  in  the  meeting  of 
the  board — Preservation  of  forest  growth — Death  of  Bishop 
Young,  of  Florida,  and  Col.  L.  N.  Whittle,  of  Georgia 247 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1886-1889. 

Rev.  Dr.  Barrett's  plan  for  endowment — Death  of  the  Rev. 
William  Mercer  Green,  bishop  of  Mississippi,  and  chancellor 
of  the  University — Election  of  bishop  Gregg  as  chancellor — 
Attempt  of  county  authorities  to  subject  the  1,000  acres 
exempted  by  the  charter  to  taxation — Decree  of  the  Supreme 
Court  in  favor  of  the  University .  265 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

1889-1890. 

Several  theological  scholarships  founded — Unsatisfactory 
financial  condition — Gift  of  D.  V.  Walsh,  of  Louisiana,  for 
an  academic  hall — Plans  for  same  adopted — Remarks  upon 
the  plans  for  University  buildings .276 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1891-1892. 

Resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  of  office  of  vice  chancellor — 
Election  of  Rev.  Thos.  F.  Gailor,  D.  D.,  as  his  successor — 
The  question  of  water  supply  considered — Resignation  of 
Prof.  Page  from  chair  of  modern  languages,  and  election 
of  Prof.  B.  W.  Wells.  Ph.  D.,  to  that  chair — Organization 
of  the  medical  department,  and  of  school  of  commerce  and 
trade  .  286 


CONTENTS.  xiii 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

1893. 

The  constitution  amended  so  as  to  provide  for  the  election 
of  chancellor — Death  of  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith — Tribute  to 
the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  D.  C.  L.,  bishop  of  Tennessee — 
The  Tustin  fund  given  for  the  use  of  the  theological  depart- 
ment— Establishment  of  the  law  department — Completion 
of  Walsh  Memorial  Hall — Consecration  of  Rev.  Dr.  T.  F. 
Gailor,  D.  D.,  as  bishop  coadjutor  of  Tennessee — Death  of 
Bishop  Gregg,  chancellor  of  the  University,  and  election  of 
the  Rt.  Rev.  T.  U.  Dudley,  LL.  D.,  bishop  of  Kentucky,  as 
chancellor  295 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

1893-1894. 

Reorganization  and  enlargement  of  the  executive  committee — 
Resignation  of  Rt.  Rev.  T.  P.  Gailor,  S.  T.  D.,  as  vice  chan- 
cellor, and  election  of  Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins,  M.  A.,  to  that 
office — Death  of  the  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  dean  of 
the  theological  department 304 


CHAPTER  XXX. 
1895. 

Some  changes  of  professors  and  officers  made — The  military 
system  re-established  in  the  grammar  school — The  subject 
of  athletics  considered — The  Bishop  Dudley  endowment 
fund  of  $50,000  received — Dormitory  for  junior  students 
suggested — Visit  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Chas.  F.  Hoffman  to 
Sewanee  ,  .  314 


xiv  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

1895-1896. 

Financial  condition  of  the  University — Increase  of  students — 
Plan  of  endowment  proposed  by  Dr.  Murdock — Death  of 
Rev.  Dr.  F.  A.  Shoup — Organization  of  faculty  of  arts  and 
sciences — Prize  scholarships  awarded  to  students  of  Univer- 
sity by  Society  for  Promoting  the  Interests  of  Church 
Schools,  Colleges  and  Seminaries — Adverse  action  on 
proposal  to  change  the  winter  to  a  summer  vacation — 
Academic  degree  for  women  considered 327 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1897-1898. 

Conditions  in  1897  improving — Larger  enrollment  of  students 
— Growth  of  medical  department — Regulations  of  athletics 
— Laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  Hoffman  Memorial  Hall  and 
its  completion  334 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

1898. 

Death  of  Rt.  Rev.  Charles  Todd  Quintard,  LL.  D.,  D.  C.  L., 
on  February  15,  1898 — Prizes  awarded  to  students  by  the 
Association  for  Promoting  the  Interests  of  Church  Schools 
and  Colleges — Oratorical  contests  and  athletic  games  won 
by  Sewanee  students — Increase  in  number  of  students — 
Resignation  of  Prof.  B.  W.  Wells — Question  of  cheapening 
expenses  of  students — Aid  given  by  scholarships 342 


CONTENTS.  xv 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

1899-1900. 

Benefactions  of  Judge  Goodwyn  and  Rev.  E.  D.  Cooper,  D.  D. — 
Establishment  of  steam  laundry  and  waterworks — Sewanee 
sandstone — Rebuilding  of  the  supply  store — Change  of 
scholastic  year  from  two  to  three  terms — Resignation  of 
Prof.  Trent — Death  of  Bishop  Wilmer,  of  Alabama,  and 
Bishop  Pierce,  of  Arkansas — The  Quintard  Memorial  Hall — 
Gift  of  Westminister  chimes  by  Rev.  W.  C.  Douglas,  D.  D . .  354 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 
1901-1902. 

The  University  Library,  addition  to  Thompson  Medical  Hall — 
Reorganization  of  law  department — Death  of  Professor 
Greenough  White — Resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  R.  H.  Starr...  366 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
1902-1903. 

Death  of  Bishop  Hugh  Miller  Thompson,  of  Mississippi,  and 
Bishop  R.  W.  Barnwell,  of  Alabama — Retirement  of  Profes- 
sor W.  L.  Bevan,  and  E.  H.  Babbitt — Other  changes  in  the 
faculty — Election  of  Dr.  Brantz  Mayer  Roszel,  as  head 
master  of  the  grammar  school — Improvement  of  the  domain  376 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

Notes  upon  the  founding,  growth  and  present  condition  of  the 
domain  of  the  University,  which  may  be  of  interest  for 
future  reference  .  .  390 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
Conclusion    ...  .  396 


Rt.Rev.  JAMES  H    OTEY,  D.  D. 
Bishop  of  Tennessee,  First  Chancellor  of  the  University 


OF  THE 

(    UNIVERSITY 

OF 


History  of  the  University  of  the  South, 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  early  efforts  of  Bishop  Otey  to  establish  a  church  college  and 
seminary  for  the  dioceses  of  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  Louisiana 
and  Arkansas,  to  be  called  Madison  College. 

THE  University  of  the  South,  by  common  consent,  owes 
its  inception  to  the  great  bishop  of  Louisiana,  Leonidas 
Polk,  who  took  the  initial  steps  for  its  establishment 
in  185(>,  but  it  may  not  be  unprofitable  to  devote  some 
attention  to  the  preceding  efforts  of  Bishop  Otey  of 
Tennessee  to  set  on  foot  a  church  college  and  seminary 
for  the  benefit  of  his  own  and  several  adjoining  dioceses 
which  he  aimed  to  associate  jointly  in  the  scheme,  efforts 
in  which,  as  will  be  seen,  Bishop  Polk  took  a  prominent 
part,  and  which  no  doubt  led  to  the  movement  which 
he  inaugurated  in  1856  for  the  founding  of  a  church 
university  for  the  Southern  States,  as  the  result  of  which 
the  University  of  the  South  has  been  established  and 
now  exists. 

One  can  hardly  suppose  that  the  subject  of  educa- 
tion had  been  absent  from  the  minds  of  the  churchmen  of 
the  Southern  States.  During  the  colonial  period  the 
South  was  settled  on  its  eastern  seaboard  mainly  by  the 
better  class  of  Englishmen,  to  whom  social  position  was 
of  great  importance.  They  had  inherited  a  respect  for 
learning  and  for  churchmanship ;  they  associated  educa- 


2  HISTORY    OF    THE 

tion  with  position,  and  provided  for  their  sons  and 
daughters  the  best  advantages  attainable.  Those  who 
had  wealth  sent  their  sons  to  England  for  education,, 
and,  at  a  later  period,  to  William  and  Mary,  Princeton, 
Harvard  or  Yale.  The  church  clergyman,  always  an 
educated  man,  stood  first  in  social  standing,  and  was 
often  engaged  in  the  work  of  education  in  colleges  or 
private  schools.  The  Southwestern  States  were  settled 
by  immigration  from  the  seaboard.  Virginia,  one  hundred 
years  ago,  embraced,  besides  its  present  territory,  West 
Virginia,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  Illinois,  Michigan  and  Wis- 
consin. North  Carolina  had  embraced  all  of  Tennessee, 
and  South  Carolina  and  Georgia  claimed  the  Mississippi 
Kiver  as  their  western  boundary. 

The  heredity  of  churchmanship  and  education  was 
carried  in  a  diminished  degree  from  the  seaboard  to  the 
West  and  Southwest.  The  church,  it  is  true,  was  very 
weak  indeed  among  these  peoples,  and  when  her  sons 
were  scattered  over  so  large  a  region  there  was  little 
power  of  concentration  for  the  accomplishment  of  any 
educational  work.  We,  at  this  day,  hardly  realize  how 
weak  the  church  was  in  our  Southern  associated  dioceses 
in  1856,  when  Bishop  Folk's  letter  was  put  forth.  The 
dioceses  were  most  of  them  under  their  first  bishops. 
The  entire  number  of  clergy  in  all  of  the  Southern 
dioceses  reached  only  about  180,  a  smaller  number  than 
some  single  dioceses  at  the  North  contained ;  but,  although 
the  church  was  weak,  the  educational  idea  was  prominent 
in  the  thought  of  these  pioneer  bishops  and  clergy.  Of 
those  who  inaugurated  the  University,  Bishops  Otey  and 
Green  had  been  professors  in  the  University  of  North 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  3 

Carolina,  Bishop  Elliott  had  been  a  professor  in  the  South 
Carolina  College,  Bishop  Polk  had  been  educated  at 
West  Point  and  had  visited  the  great  educational  institu- 
tions abroad.  When  Bishop  Otey  came  to  Tennessee  as 
a  presbyter  he  engaged  in  teaching  at  Franklin,  and  his 
mind  seemed  at  once  to  be  occupied  with  the  subject  of 
Christian  education. 

As  early  as  1832,  in  the  diocesan  journal  of  Tennessee 
for  that  year,  we  find  certain  resolutions  on  that  subject, 
supposed  to  have  been  prepared  by  Bishop  Otey  while 
yet  a  presbyter  of  that  diocese.  In  1834,  at  the  early 
age  of  34,  he  was  consecrated  as  the  first  bishop  of 
Tennessee.  In  his  address  to  his  convention  in  June, 
1835,  he  said :  "Among  other  interesting  and  important 
matters  which  will  claim  the  attention  of  this  convention 
I  deem  it  highly  proper  to  call  to  your  notice  the  subject 
of  education,  both  as  it  respects  provision  to  be  made 
for  furnishing  to  the  children  of  Episcopalians,  as  well 
as  others  who  desire  it,  proper  facilities  for  acquiring 
a  knowledge  of  the  arts  and  sciences  usually  taught  in 
colleges,  as  likewise  for  affording  to  those  who  may 
become  candidates  for  orders,  more  ample  advantages 
than  Ave  can  at  present  offer.  I  would  willingly  enter 
into  a  full  exposition  of  my  views  on  this  subject,  but 
the  prevalence  of  but  one  opinion  among  us  as  to  the 
expediency  of  such  an  object,  and  the  great  advantages 
to  be  derived  from  the  adoption  of  such  measures,  renders 
such  an  exposition  perhaps  unnecessary,  and  would  hardly 
justify  my  trespassing  on  your  time  and  attention.  It  is 
only  necessary  to  state  here  that  a  project'  has  been  set 
on  foot  by  the  friends  of  the  church  in  the  States  of 


4  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  for  founding  and 
endowing  a  Protestant  Episcopal  college,  to  be  situated 
at  some  suitable  place  near  the  southwestern  boundary 
of  this  State,  and  that  so  far  the  scheme  has  been 
attended  with  a  very  encouraging  earnest  of  success.  It 
belongs  to  this  convention  representing  the  interests  of 
the  church  in  this  diocese,  to  take  such  order  on  this 
subject  as  in  its  wisdom  it  may  deem  most  proper." 

It  will  be  noticed  that  Bishop  Otey  had  formulated 
quite  distinctly  in  his  own  mind  what  he  desired  to 
accomplish. 

First. — Proper  facilities  for  furnishing  to  the  children 
of  the  church,  as  well  as  others  who  desire  it,  proper 
facilities  for  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  arts  and 
sciences  usually  taught  in  colleges.  His  idea  was  a 
church  school  equaling  in  advantages  existing  college 
systems,  and  open  to  all  who  desired  to  avail  themselves 
of  it.  A  broad  Catholic  idea. 

Secondly. — To  provide  proper  training  for  candidates 
for  orders  in  this  CHURCH. 

Thirdly. — That  such  institution  should  be  founded  and 
endowed  as  a  "Protestant  Episcopal  College."  Clearly 
and  distinctively  a  church  institution. 

Fourthly. — In  order  to  subserve  the  joint  convenience 
of  Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Louisiana,  that  it  should 
be  located  at  some  suitable  place  near  to  the  south- 
western boundary  of  his  diocese;  that  part  of  Tennessee 
being  contiguous  to  Mississippi  and  nearest  to  Louisiana. 
I  think  in  this  brief  statement  of  the  Bishop  we  have 
quite  clearly  outlined  a  plan  for  a  church  institution  of 
learning  in  the  South,  easily  expanded  to  larger  propor- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  5 

tions,  and  foreshadowing  the  larger  and  grander  plan 
and  project  of  Bishop  Polk  in  1856,  just  twenty  years 
later.  Bishop  Otey  was  provisionally  in  charge  of  the 
diocese  of  Mississippi,  for  which  no  bishop  was  con- 
secrated until  1850,  although  organized  as  a  diocese  in 
1825.  He  was  also  temporarily  in  charge  of  Louisiana, 
which  was  organized  as  a  diocese  in  1838.  The  subject 
of  Christian  education,  thus  brought  so  prominently,  by 
Bishop  Otey,  to  the  attention  of  his  convention,  was 
referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk, 
then  rector  of  St.  Peters  Church,  Columbia,  Rev.  R. 
Chilton  of  Brownsville,  and  Mr.  H.  T.  Jones  and  Mr. 
H.  G.  Smith  of  the  laity,  who  made  a  report  approving 
of  Bishop  Otey's  views,  and  recommending  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  carry  them  into  effect,  with  the 
Bishop  as  chairman. 

The  recommendation  was  concurred  in,  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Polk  and  Messrs.  A.  O.  Harris  of  Columbia,  and 
B.  S.  Tappan  of  Franklin  appointed  as  the  other  members 
of  the  committee.  The  diocese  of  Tennessee  then  con- 
tained fourteen  parishes  and  missions,  and  paid  to  its 
bishop  a  salary  of  only  $925. 

The  earnestness  of  the  Bishop  in  seeking  to  carry  out 
the  plans  he  had  so  fully  matured  in  his  mind,  is  shown 
in  the  recurrence  to  the  subject  made  by  him  in  the 
following  year,  1836.  In  his  address  to  the  Tennessee 
diocesan  convention  he  says:  "Connected  with  my 
journey  to  the  Southwest  (an  Episcopal  visitation  of 
Mississippi)  was  an  ardent  desire  to  forward  an  object 
which  has  already  been  a  subject  of  deliberation  and 
advisement  with  you.  I  refer  to  a  projected  plan  of  a 


6  HISTORY    OF    THE 

literary  and  theological  seminary  to  meet  the  wants  of 
Episcopalians  in  Tennessee,  Mississippi  and  Louisiana. 
It  was  my  expectation  when  I  left  home  that  I  should 
be  able  to  obtain  subscriptions  in  sufficient  amount  to 
justify  the  adoption  of  measures  at  this  convention,  to 
determine  upon  a  site,  and  proceed  to  the  erection  of 
the  necessary  buildings.  I  have  not  permitted  myself  to 
doubt  that  the  assurances  given  me  will  yet  be  made  good, 
and  that  my  expectations  were  not  realized  last  winter 
I  am  of  the  deliberate  persuasion  was  owing  to  fortuitous 
circumstances  as  unforseen  as  they  were  utterly  beyond 
the  control  of  the  friends  of  the  measure."  Among  these 
he  mentions  the  disorganized  state  of  the  church  in  the 
Southwest,  the  heavy  drafts  made  upon  the  liberality  of 
the  public  to  meet  pressing  calls  for  help  to  those 
destitute  and  suffering  in  Texas  and  Florida,  where  an 
Indian  war  then  existed,  and  the  weighty  responsibilities 
incurred  in  erecting  a  costly  Episcopal  church  in  New 
Orleans.  For  these  causes,  and  many  others  of  a  like 
nature,  the  friends  of  the  undertaking  advised  a  post- 
ponement of  the  application  for  some  months,  with  the 
confident  belief  that  the  project  would  hereafter  be  easily 
carried  into  effect.  He  urged  that  the  scheme  "be 
courageously  persevered  in,  even  under  greater  discourage- 
ments than  those  already  experienced."  That  the  "rapid 
progress  of  population  and  of  wealth  in  the  South  indi- 
cated that  there  was  wealth  more  than  enough  to  meet  all 
demands  for  the  cultivation  of  literature  and  religion 
if  its  possessors  could  be  induced  to  direct  a  portion  of 
it  to  such  objects.  The  youth  in  the  Southwest,"  he  said, 
"for  the  most  part  seek  the  advantages  of  education  by  a 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  7 

resort  to  the  Northern  colleges.  This  they  do  confessedly 
at  an  additional  expense,  arising  from  the  distance  they 
had  to  travel,  at  the  hazard  of  such  changes  in  the  con- 
stitution fromi  difference  of  climate  as  to  render  their 
return  dangerous  and  at  the  risk  of  weakening  those 
domestic  ties  and  early  associations  connected  with  the 
parental  domicile,  which  are  seldom  severed  and  broken 
but  at  the  expense  of  virtue."  He  earnestly  recommended 
"the  appointment  of  agents  in  Tennessee  to  obtain  for 
this  object  subscriptions  payable  in  one,  two  and  three 
years,  and  a  special  agent  to  visit  the  Southwest  country 
under  the  authority  of  this  body  the  ensuing  fall  and 
winter  for  the  same  purpose."  A  committee  was 
appointed  on  the  subject,  consisting  of  "Rev.  Leonidas 
Polk,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Muller  and  Rev.  Mr.  Litton  and  Messrs. 
Anderson,  Allston  and  Walker  of  the  laity.  Rev.  Mr. 
Polk,  as  chairman  of  the  committee,  made  a  report  fully 
approving  of  Bishop  Otey's  views,  and  recommended  that 
the  committee  on  education  be  continued  and  authorized 
to  appoint  an  agent  or  agents  to  carry  into  effect  the 
objects  contemplated  by  soliciting  subscriptions  agreeably 
to  the  plan  set  forth  by  Bishop  Otey.  It  appears  that 
active  measures  were  taken  during  the  years  1836-7  to 
raise  funds  for  the  proposed  seminary.  The  Bishop  in 
his  journal  of  1837  mentions  Bolivar,  LaGrange,  Somer- 
ville,  Brownsville  and  Jackson,  at  which  latter  place  and 
vicinity  $25,000  was  subscribed,  some  of  it  conditioned  on 
the  location  which  might  be  selected.  Bishop  Otey  said, 
in  his  address  to  the  convention  in  1837,  "In  regard  to  our 
proposed  literary  and  theological  seminary,  it  is,  I  believe, 
within  our  reach,  if  the  convention  will  only  devise  means 


8  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  collect  and  make  them  available.  That  there  is  no 
diminution  of  interest  either  at  home  or  abroad  is  evinced 
by  the  fact  that  the  convention  of  Mississippi  has  recom- 
mended the  object  to  the  friends  of  the  church  in  the 
South,  and  by  the  fact  that  the  people  of  a  single  county 
in  the  western  district  have  subscribed  one-fourth  of  the 
whole  amount  necessary  to  found  and  endow  the  institu- 
tion. The  Eev.  Mr.  Polk  had  made  every  preparation  to 
proceed  to  the  South  in  the  month  of  April  last  to 
solicit  funds  for  this  object. 

"The  sudden  and  unprecedented  catastrophy  that  came 
upon  the  commercial  world  (the  panic  of  1837),  in  the 
total  derangement  of  the  moneyed  operations  of  the 
country  and  the  consequent  destruction  of  credit,  arrested 
him  on  the  eve  of  his  journey,  and  upon  advisement  the 
effort  for  the  time  was  abandoned.  The  whole  subject 
is  now  commended  again  to  your  consideration,  my  dear 
brethren,  in  the  full  confidence  that  your  wisdom  and 
providence  will  direct  the  measures  most  proper  to  be 
pursued."  A  committee  was  appointed  on  the  subject  of 
the  seminary.  Rev.  Mr.  Polk  was  not  appointed  on  this 
committee ;  probably  on  account  of  his  then  feeble  health, 
as  mentioned  in  his  report.  Upon  receiving  the  report  of 
the  committee  the  convention  resolved  that  the  Bishop  and 
standing  committee  should  act  as  a  committee  to  locate 
the  proposed  literary  and  theological  seminary  within 
Madison  County,  in  the  State  of  Tennessee,  provided  an 
eligible  site  could  be  obtained  on  reasonable  terms,  and 
that  the  Bishop  should  appoint  an  agent  or  agents  for 
the  purpose  of  collecting  funds  and  obtaining  subscrip- 
tions for  building  and  endowing  the  said  seminary,  and 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  9 

that  reports  should  be  made  to  the  next  convention.  It 
was  further  resolved  that  the  proposed  seminary  should, 
in  compliment  to  the  county  in  which  it  was  proposed 
to  be  located,  be  called  Madison  College.  The  Bishop 
reported  to  the  next  convention  (of  1838)  that  he  had 
examined  several  sites  near  Jackson,  Tennessee,  but  did 
not  indicate  the  selection  of  a  site.  The  subject  was 
referred  to  a  committee,  which  failed  to  report,  and  no 
further  action  was  had.  The  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk  was 
appointed  chairman  of  the  committee  on  missions  and 
education.  Bishop  Otey's  efforts  to  establish  a  seminary 
were  apparently  frustrated  by  the  panic  and  financial 
prostration  of  1837,  and  he  seems  to  have  become 
thoroughly  discouraged  both  as  to  his  plans  for  a  classical 
and  theological  seminary  for  the  Southwest,  as  well  as 
in  his  efforts  to  establish  diocesan  schools.  In  1838 
Rev.  Leonidas  Polk,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-three,  was 
consecrated  missionary  bishop  of  Arkansas,  and  in  1841 
was  elected  bishop  of  Louisiana.  From  this  compilation 
the  scope  and  ideas  of  Bishop  Otey  on  the  subject  of  a 
church  seminary  can  be  very  fully  comprehended.  From 
the  limitations  of  the  period,  with  the  church  greatly 
disorganized  in  the  Southwest,  himself  the  only  bishop 
in  that  region,  it  could  not  well  be  expected  that  he  would 
contemplate  covering  any  larger  area  than  his  own  dio- 
cese with  that  of  Mississippi,  Louisiana  and  Arkansas — - 
it,  indeed,  indicates  great  breadth  of  view  that  he  con- 
templated even  so  large  a  scheme.  His  idea  of  endow- 
ment was1  limited  to  $100,000 — a  considerable  sum  to 
gather  for  educational  purposes  in  those  days  of  the 
church's  weakness.  Having  in  view  the  intimate  connec- 


10  HISTORY    OF    THE 

tion  of  Bishop  Polk  with  these  early  plans  of  Bishop 
Otey,  one  cannot  avoid  the  conclusion  that  the  plans  of 
Bishop  Otey  for  a  classical  and  theological  church 
seminary  or  college,  to  be  founded  and  endowed  by  a 
concert  of  action  and  union  of  several  Southwestern 
dioceses,  were  at  a  later  day,  under  more  favorable  condi- 
tions, revived  and  enlarged  into  broader  and  more 
complete  plans  by  Bishop  Polk,  to  create  a  Southern 
church  university  to  be  established  and  controlled  by  a 
union  of  all  the  Southern  dioceses,  outside  of  Virginia 
and  Kentucky. 


Rt    Rev.  LEONIDAS  POLK,  D.  D. 
Fir.t  Bishop  of  Louioia  aj     Second  Chancellor  of  University 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

V,,    /u  f;  tNN\":  -* 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  11 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  initial  steps  taken  by  Bishop  Polk  to  create  a  church  univer- 
sity for  the  Southern  States,  and  the  concurrent  action  of 
the  bishops  of  the  Southern  dioceses  in  furtherance  of  his 
plans. 

1856. 

IN  the  year  1856  general  prosperity  prevailed  throughout 
the  South.  All  the  Southern  dioceses  were  organized  and 
the  church  was  rapidly  growing  in  the  Southern  States. 
Their  bishops  were  in  the  prime  of  life  and  were  men  of 
great  and  commanding  influence.  Louisiana,  Bishop 
Folk's  own  diocese,  especially  was  advancing  rapidly  in 
wealth.  The  immense  State  of  Texas  had  been  added  to 
the  area  of  the  Southern  States.  Arkansas'  rich  cotton 
fields  were  being  rapidly  brought  into  cultivation,  Florida 
was  attracting  much  attention,  and  the  Southern  States 
were  in  a  far  stronger  and  more  prosperous  condition 
than  ever  before.  The  population  of  the  Southern  States, 
which  in  1840  numbered  five  million,  one  hundred  and 
nineteen  thousand,  had  increased  so  rapidly  that  they 
numbered,  in  1860,  eight  million  and  sixty-two  thousand, 
with  an  immense  capital  invested  in  slaves,  productive 
cotton  and  sugar  plantations,  and  manufactures.  Such 
was  the  condition  of  the  South  when  Bishop  Polk  put 
forth,  July  1st,  1856,  his  well  known  letter  addressed  by 
name  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  James  Hervey  Otey  of  Tennessee, 
Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott  of  Georgia,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Nicholas 
Hamner  Cobbs  of  Alabama,  the  Rt.  Rev.  George  W. 


12  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Freeman  of  Arkansas,  the  Rt.  Eev.  Francis  Huger 
Rutledge  of  Florida,  the  Kt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Davis  of 
South  Carolina  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Atkinson 
of  North  Carolina. 

Bishop  Polk  begins  his  letter  by  referring  to  the  condi- 
tion of  the  church  in  the  South  and  the  duty  of  its  chief 
ministers  to  promote  its  welfare  and  to  overcome  the 
obstacles  which  stood  in  the  way  of  its  power  and 
usefulness.  He  then  proceeds  to  call  their  attention  to 
the  duty  of  strengthening  the  churclj  by  the  establishment 
of  some  system  of  educational  training  which  shall 
provide  for  the  instruction  of  the  male  portions  of  their 
charge,  as  well  in  academical  as  theological  learning. 
He  refers  to  existing  State  and  denominational  institu- 
tions which,  however  meritorious,  he  says,  do  not  meet 
the  wants  of  our  people,  who  many  of  them  send  their 
sons  to  Northern  schools,  beyond  the  reach  of  supervision 
and  parental  influence,  exposed  to  the  rigors  of  an 
unfriendly  climate,  to  say  nothing  of  other  influences  not 
calculated,  it  is  to  be  feared,  to  promote  their  happiness 
or  ours.  A  more  important  reason,  he  says,  is  that  when 
they  pass  from  under  the  parental  eye  in  the  preparatory 
school  we  have  no  institution  fairly  within  our  reach 
where  they  will  be  kept  under  the  influence  of  those 
Christian  principles  and  that  church  instruction  to  which 
we  pledged  them  in  baptism,  which  we  have  accepted 
and  hold  as  of  the  essence  of  Christ's  religion,  which  we 
would  transmit  in  their  vigor  to  them  and  through  them, 
unmarred,  to  our  latest  posterity.  This,  he  claims,  is 
a  felt  necessity.  He  proceeds  to  urge  this  duty  and, 
admitting  the  feebleness  of  the  church  in  a  majority  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THti    SOUTH.  13 

the  dioceses,  says  that  what  they  cannot  do  singly  they 
can,  with  greatest  ease,  do  collectively.  That  he  believed 
that  the  present  was  the  time  at  which  they  could  found 
such  an  institution  as  they  needed,  which  he  described 
to  be  "an  institution  to  be  our  common  property,  under 
our  joint  control,  of  a  clear  and  distinctly  recognized 
church  character,  upon  a  scale  of  such  breadth  and 
comprehensiveness  as  shall  be  equal  in  the  liberality 
of  its  provisions  for  intellectual  cultivation  to  those  of 
the  highest  class  at  home  or  abroad,  and  which  shall  fully 
meet  the  demands  of  those  of  our  people  who  require  for 
their  children  the  highest  educational  advantages,  under 
the  supervision  of  the  church." 

Nothing  certainly  could  be  grander  or  nobler  than  this 
comprehensive  ideal  of  a  church  university.  One  perceives 
at  once  in  these  few  well  chosen  words  the  clear,  splendid 
ideal  which  Bishop  Polk  had  in  mind,  and  which  he 
aimed  to  have  accomplished.  He  next  proceeds  to  urge 
upon  his  Episcopal  colleagues  the  necessity  of  such  an 
institution  for  the  training  of  young  men  for  the  ministry. 
That  this  was  beyond  the  reach  of  the  dioceses  separately, 
but  to  graft  such  a  seminary  upon  such  a  university  as 
he  had  indicated  "would  be  an  easy  solution  of  the 
difficulty.''  That  a  single  corps  of  professors  would  serve 
them  all,  "and  the  means  at  the  disposal  of  our  dioceses 
severally,  poured  into  one  channel,  would  swell  the 
aggregate  amount  to  a  sum  large  enough  to  enable  us 
to  make  such  liberal  provision  for  the  several  chairs  as 
would  make  them  objects  of  attraction,  and  place  at  our 
command  the  highest  talent.  And  what  is  true  in  this 
respect  of  the  theological  is  equally  true  of  the  academical 


14  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  collegiate  departmients."  He  appeals  then  to  con- 
sideration of  the  importance  of  providing  for  that  educa- 
tion that  the  children  of  our  section  are  entitled  to  at 
home,  and  which  would,  while  they  required  the  highest 
standard  of  intellectual  development,  breathe  that  spirit 
of  chasteness  and  dignified  conservatism  for  which  the 
church  is  so  confessedly  distinguished.  "The  effects 
on  the  interests  of  the  church  as  such  in  the  Southern 
portion  of  our  Union/'  he  says,  "it  would  be  difficult  to 
estimate."  He  then  proceeds  to  consider  the  question 
of  a  locality  suited  to  such  a  concentration  of  interests 
of  all  the  Southern  dioceses,  and  refers  to  the  great 
trunk  lines  of  railway  traversing  the  several  Southern 
States  and  terminating  in  the  southern  end  of  the 
Alleghany  range  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  State  of 
Tennessee,  by  which,  he  says,  "all  the  citizens  of  those 
States  can  be  brought  together  in  from  36  to  48  hours." 
This  remarkable  fact,  the  concentration  of  railways  (in 
the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga)  would  seenx,  he  says,  "to 
indicate  these  high  lands  as  the  region  for  our  union 
and  co-operation.  They  have  the  merit  of  centrality  and 
accessibility,  and  from  the  rapidity  of  movement  attained 
by  railway  contiguity  also  they  offer  mountain  air  and 
pure  water  and  are  beyond  the  reach  of  epidemics.  The 
cost  of  living  is  cheap,  and  they  are  within  the  pale  of 
the  plantation  States."  The  Bishop  thus  in  a  few  strokes 
of  the  pen,  outlines  his  plans  as  to  union  of  effort  and 
location.  With  wonderful  forecast  he  puts  his  finger  on 
the  location  best  adapted,  considered  from  every  point 
of  view,  as  the  seat  of  a  great  university.  The  railway 
advantages  then  apparent  were  only  the  forerunners  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  15 

a  greatly  enlarged  system  of  communication  which  made 
all  the  lines  from  North  and  South,  East  and  West,  cross 
each  other  in  the  State  of  Tennessee.  After  discussing 
many  secondary  advantages,  to  result  from  the  closer 
relations  which  would  be  brought  about  between  the 
dioceses  and  the  churchmen  of  the  South,  he  plainly 
enunciates  his  main  proposition,  "that  what  we  cannot 
do  separate^,  and  to  our  satisfaction  as  dioceses,  we  may 
very  easily  accomplish,  and  in  the  most  satisfactory 
manner,  when  united."  "The  population  of  our  dioceses 
is  homogeneous,  the  people  are  substantially  the  same; 
their  pursuits,  their  institutions,  their  sympathies,  are 
one.  A  single  educational  establishment  situated  in 
a  place  so  central  and  accessible  as  that  indicated  would 
serve  the  purposes  of  each  of  us  as  well  as  if  it  were 
situated  within  the  precincts  of  our  respective  dioceses." 
He  also  refers  to  the  establishment  of  a  press  for  the 
defense  and  maintenance  of  our  distinctive  principles  and 
as  a  medium  of  communication  with  the  several  dioceses, 
and  mentions  also  the  advantages  which  will  be  presented 
to  such  families  as  desire  it,  a  high,  healthy  retreat  for 
themselves,  with  access  to  a  cultivated  and  religious 
society,  during  the  education  of  their  children.  He  calls 
attention  to  the  fact  that  he  had  included  in  the  arrange- 
ments no  dioceses  north  of  North  Carolina,  Tennessee 
and  Arkansas,  and  gives  as  his  reason  that  Virginia, 
Kentucky,  Missouri,  etc.,  have  institutions  of  their  own, 
which  they  have  established  and  to  which  they  are 
pledged,  and  which  he  supposed  would  not  be  interested 
in  an  enterprise  which  they  did  not  need.  But  that  if 
they  should  afterwards  desire  to  be  connected  with  us 


16  HISTORY    OF    THE 

they  would  be  gladly  welcome,  as  Kentucky  and  Missouri 
have  already  been. 

He  suggests  that  if  his  views  find  favor  with  his 
Episcopal  brethren  they  could  meet  and  discuss  the 
matter  at  the  general  convention  in  October,  1850,  and 
could  obtain  the  views  of  the  clerical  and  lay  delegates 
from  the  South.  As  to  plan  of  organization,  he  says, 
"that  his  idea  would  be  to  commit  the  institution  to  the 
<?are  of  a  board  of  trustees  to  be  composed  of  the  bishops 
ex  o/ficio  of  the  dioceses  uniting  and  of  a  number  to  be 
agreed  upon  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  said  dioceses,  to 
be  elected  from  time  to  time  by  the  several  diocesan  con- 
ventions. This  board  to  have  full  power  and  authority 
to  organize,  establish  and  provide  for  the  administration 
of  the  institution  to  be  founded,  in  such  a  way  and  upon 
such  a  scale  as  they  might  think  proper. 

"A  cardinal  principle  in  the  whole  movement  would  of 
course  be  that  the  institution  would  be  declaredly  out  and 
out  Episcopal,  founded  by  the  church  for  the  especial 
benefit  of  her  own  children,  for  the  advancement  of  learn- 
ing generally,  and  for  the  propagation  of  the  Gospel  as 
she  (the  church)  understood  it.  But  that  it  would  be 
freely  open  to  all  who  might  desire  to  avail  of  its 
advantages  on  the  terms  they  were  dispensed  to  the 
children  of  the  church." 

Such  is  a  brief  outline  of  Bishop  Folk's  plan  for  the 
inauguration  of  a  great  church  university  for  the  South. 
It  will  be  noted,  I  think,  how  fully  the  project  was 
matured  in  his  own  mind,  even  to  the  details  of  location 
and  organization.  He  was  prepared  to  present  a  complete 
plan,  practical  in  its  character  and  distinct  in  its  con- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  17 

elusions.  He  knew  precisely  what  was  proposed  to  be 
undertaken,  and  how  it  was  to  be  carried  through.  He 
had  gone  from  the  abstract  idea  of  the  importance  of 
Christian  education  to  the  South  to  the  practical  means 
of  obtaining  it.  He  took  for  granted  the  importance 
and  necessity  of  the  work,  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
believed  it  could  be  carried  into  effect.  He  began  by 
laying  his  plans  in  a  bold  and  open  type  before  the  bishops 
of  the  South.  He  recognized  the  fact  that  their  indorse- 
ment, approval  and  advocacy,  was  to  be  a  prime  factor 
in  the  movement.  As  the  whole  idea  of  success  was 
based  upon  the  joint  united  action  of  all  the  dioceses  of 
the  South  and  Southwest,  the  project  must  go  forth,  if 
at  all,  with  their  united,  hearty  assent  and  approval. 
The  great  wisdom  and  sagacity  of  Bishop  Polk  is  shown 
in  his  recognition  of  this  fact,  and  obtaining  not  only 
their  approval  and  indorsement  of  his  project,  but  that 
they  would  jointly  support  and  send  forth  the  plan  he 
had  suggested,  giving  it  all  the  weight  of  their  united 
names  and  recommendation.  He  thus  wisely  planned  to 
make  the  proposed  university  the  work  of  the  church  in 
the  South,  represented  by  all  of  the  Southern  bishops. 
This  concurrent  action  on  the  part  of  the  bishops  was 
most  heartily  given,  and,  in  order  to  give  in  the  most 
public  manner  its  due  effect  and  influence,  the  bishops, 
after  consultation  and  conference  among  themselves,  and 
with  the  clerical  and  lay  representatives  from  the  South 
then  in  attendance  on  the  general  convention  in  Phila- 
delphia, issued  an  address  to  the  members  and  friends 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Southern  and 
Southwestern  States,  namely,  in  the  dioceses  of  North 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana,  Texas,  Arkansas  and  Tennessee. 

They  prefaced  their  address  as  follows:  "The  under- 
signed bishops  of  the  dioceses  above  named,  under  a 
sense  of  their  responsibility  to  God  as  your  chief  pastors, 
charged  with  the  duty  of  devising  measures  for  the  train- 
ing of  your  children  in  all  those  graces  and  virtues  which 
belong  to  the  Christian  character,  have  deemed  it  proper 
for  the  better  discharge  of  their  trust  to  unite  in  proposing 
to  you  a  plan  of  union  by  which  they  may  be  efficiently 
aided  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  common  duty." 

They  then  proceed  to  inculcate  the  necessity  and 
importance  of  religion,  supported  by  an  adequate  amount 
of  intellectual  culture;  they  refer  to  what  has  been  done 
by  the  Presbyterians  at  Princeton,  the  Congregationalists 
at  Yale,  the  Unitarians  at  Harvard,  and  the  Methodists 
and  other  religious  bodies  elsewhere. 

The  value  of  intelligence  and  moral  sentiment  in 
support  of  our  government  is  clearly  set  forth,  and  our 
duty  as  churchmen  to  make  thoughtful  provision  for  the 
children  of  the  church,  in  regard  to  their  moral  and 
spiritual  as  well  as  intellectual  well  being.  They  ask 
what  are  we  doing  for  these  children,  what  effort  are  we 
making  to  throw  around  them,  during  the  most  important 
period  of  their  life,  their  collegiate  career,  those  sustain- 
ing supports  as  well  as  those  wholesome  restraints 
furnished  by  our  holy  religion  as  exhibited  and  illustrated 
in  the  offices  of  the  church  of  their  fathers — what  to 
combat  scepticism  and  infidelity — what  to  raise  up  men 
to  fill  the  ministry?  It  is  manifest,  they  say,  "that  there 
exists  within  the  pales  of  our  dioceses  a  great  educational 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  19 

necessity,  common  to  all  our  dioceses.  That  in  view  of 
this  state  of  things  they,  the  bishops,  had  considered 
the  matter,  and  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  no  time 
should  be  lost  in  relieving  it,  and  that  no  plan  of  relief 
presents  itself  of  so  promising  a  character  as  that  which 
would  unite  the  energies  and  resources  of  our  dioceses  in 
one  common  effort.  They  had  therefore  resolved,  after 
mature  deliberation,  and  consultation  with  leading  clergy- 
men and  laymen  of  our  several  dioceses,  to  propose  to 
you  to  unite  our  strength  in  founding  a  university  upon 
such  a  scale  of  magnitude  as  shall  answer  all  our  wants. 
This  we  propose  shall  be  a  university,  with  all  the  facul- 
ties, theological  included,  upon  a  plan  so  extensive  as  to 
comprise  the  whole  course  usually  embraced  in  the  most 
approved  institutions  of  that  grade,  whether  at  home  or 
abroad."  They  admit  the  magnitude  of  such  an  enter- 
prise, the  large  amount  of  capital  necessary  for  its 
foundation,  and  the  weighty  responsibility  of  shaping  its 
plans  and  conducting  them  to  a  successful  issue.  But 
considering  the  pervading  and  far  reaching  influence 
such  an  institution  would  have  upon  both  the  State  and 
the  church,  and  the  extent  of  the  field  whence  we  propose 
to  draw  not  only  the  means  to  build  it  up,  but  the  minds 
to  found  and  govern  it,  they  dare  not  hesitate  to  believe 
that  all  the  resources  necessary,  of  whatever  character, 
are  within  our  reach  and  will  be  forthcoming  as  soon 
as  they  shall  be  needed.  To  say  nothing  of  the  well 
known  and  ample  wealth  belonging  to  our  community 
generally,  we  will  not  allow  ourselves  to  believe  that, 
upon  the  presentation  of  such  an  occasion  for  the  employ- 
ment of  a  part  of  that  treasure  committed  to  our 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE 

stewardship,  we  shall  fail  to  find  our  Lawrences  and 
Stuyvesants,  our  Moores  and  Kohnes  and  Gores  and 
Dudleys  (names  for  the  most  part  now  forgotten  under 
the  greater  glamour  of  Peabody,  John  Hopkins,  Vander- 
bilt,  Packer,  Kockefeller,  Cornell,  Stanford,  etc)  ready 
to  lend  their  aid  in  the  consummation  of  so  great  a  work." 
They  then  proceed  to  state  what  their  proposition  is : 

First. — That  the  University  should  be  in  all  its  parts 
under  the  sole  and  perpetual  direction  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church. 

Second. — That  the  board  of  trustees  should  be  composed 
of  the  bishops  of  all  the  dioceses  ex  officio  so  uniting,  and 
of  one  clergyman  and  two  laymen,  to  be  elected  by  the 
conventions  of  each  diocese,  and  a  vote  by  orders  provided 
for. 

Third.— That  the  sum  of  $500,000,  at  least,  shall  be 
raised  before  the  work  be  commenced. 

Fourth. — A  treasurer  in  each  diocese,  who  shall  receive 
and  invest  all  money  given  in  that  diocese,  paying  to  the 
university  treasurer  the  interest  of  the  same. 

Fifth. — A  treasurer  of  the  corporation. 

Sixth. — The  amount  subscribed  in  any  diocese  to  revert 
in  case  of  dissolution. 

Seventh. — Each  bishop  shall  bring  the  subject  speedily 
before  his  diocese  and  convention,  and  shall  also  put  in 
operation  any  agencies  he  may  think  best  for  promoting 
the  cause,  in  accordance  with  the  general  principles  here 
laid  down. 

Eighth. — That  the  senior  bishop  by  consecration  shall 
always  be  chancellor  of  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  21 

Ninth. — It  is  deemed  expedient  to  establish  the  Uni- 
versity at  some  spot  near  Chattanooga,  where  the  various 
railroads  traversing  our  dioceses  converge,  thus  rendering 
access  to  it  from  every  direction  easy  and  speedy. 

This  address  was  sent  forth  bearing  the  signatures  of 
Bishops  Otey  of  Tennessee,  Polk  of  Louisiana,  Elliott  of 
Georgia,  Cobbs  of  Alabama,  Freeman  of  Arkansas,  Green 
of  Mississippi,  Rutledge  of  Florida,  Davis  of  South 
Carolina  and  Atkinson  of  North  Carolina,  and  bore  date 
Philadelphia,  October  23,  1856.  It  was  undoubtedly 
mainly  written  by  Bishop  Otey,  the  latter  part  probably 
by  Bishop  Polk. 

It  was  printed  and  widely  distributed,  and,  in  pursuance 
of  the  seventh  clause,  the  respective  bishops  brought  the 
subject  before  their  people  and  the  diocesan  conventions. 
Trustees  or  delegates  were  elected  by  the  dioceses  of 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Alabama,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana,  Texas  and  Tennessee  to  meet  at  Lookout 
Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  on  the  fourth  day  of  July, 
1857,  "to  confer  touching  the  establishment  of  a  university 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church. " 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  meeting  of  bishops  and  clerical  and  lay  delegates,  held  at 
Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  July  4th,  1857 — 
Adoption  of  a  plan  of  organization. 

1857. 

THE  respective  diocesan  conventions,  acting  upon  the 
suggestion  of  their  bishops  at  their  ensuing  annual  meet- 
ing, elected  delegates  to  the  proposed  convention  to  be 
held  on  Lookout  Mountain,  and  on  the  4th  day  of  July, 
1857,  the  delegates  assembled  at  that  place.  The  choice 
of  the  4th  of  July  as  the  day  of  meeting  was  intentional, 
and  significant  of  the  patriotism  of  those  engaged  in  the 
enterprise. 

The  bishops  present  were  Bishop  Otey  of  Tennessee, 
Bishop  Polk  of  Louisiana,  Bishop  Elliott  of  Georgia, 
Bishop  Cobbs  of  Alabama,  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi, 
Bishop  Eutledge  of  Florida  and  Bishop  Davis  of  South 
Carolina,  and  clerical  and  lay  delegates  from  Tennessee, 
Louisiana,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  South  Carolina,  North 
Carolina  and  Texas.  Preliminary  to  the  business  meeting 
a  procession  was  formed  and  marched  to  a  stand  appointed 
for  the  opening  exercises.  The  one-hundreth  psalm  was 
sung,  the  twenty-second  chapter  of  the  book  of  Joshua 
was  read  by  Bishop  Green,  appropriate  collects  were 
said  by  Bishop  Cobbs,  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
was  read  by  the  Hon.  G.  B.  Duncan  of  Louisiana,  and  an 
address  made  by  Bishop  Otey.  Bishop  Otey's  address 


Rt.  Rev.  STEPHEN  ELLIOTT, 
Bishop  of  Georgia;     Third  Chancellor  of  the  University, 


'        OF  tHE    -rx/ 

UNIVERSITY 

of 
»FOR^ 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  23 

was  devoted  to  the  subject  of  the  proposed  University, 
prefacing  the  main  topic  by  an  admirable  resume  of  the 
reasons  which  should  stimulate  alike  the  patriot  and  the 
Christian  to  sustain  virtue  and  intelligence  among  the 
people  as  the  chief  supports  of  our  civil  institutions,  and 
he  emphasizes  the  position  that  there  can  be  no  sound 
morality  which  is  not  founded  on  religious  truths,  on 
the  facts  and  doctrines  of  Christianity,  which  he  affirms 
are  the  articles  of  Christian  faith,  as  contained  in  the 
Apostles  Creed,  "The  prime  end  aimed  at  in  our  projected 
University,"  he  says,  "is  to  make  the  Bible  the  ultimate 
and  sufficient  standard  for  the  regulation  of  man's 
conduct  as  a  rational  and  accountable  being,  to  cultivate 
the  moral  affections  of  the  young."  "It  is  designed  to 
found  an  institution  on  the  most  enlarged  and  liberal 
scale,  to  engage  in  its  services  the  best  talents,  the  most 
erudite  learning,  and  the  greatest  skill  and  experience 
which  ample  compensation  and  the  hope  of  usefulness 
can  command;  to  make  its  departments  commensurate 
with  the  wants  and  improvements  of  the  age  in  every 
field  of  philosophic  research,  of  scientific  investigation 
and  of  discovery  in  the  arts."  "Its  advantages  are  to  be 
offered  to  all  who  acknowledge  the  commonly  recognized 
truths  and  obligations  of  Christianity,  and  to  exhibit  it 
under  the  decent  forms  and  solemn  worship  of  that  church 
of  which  we  are  members."  Bishop  Otey,  with  great 
emphasis,  disclaims  the  idea  of  sectionalism  as  connected 
with  the  name.  "The  name  is  one  of  convenient  discrip- 
tion;  it  is  no  party  war  cry,  no  sectional  pass  word;  all 
such  interpretations  we  utterly  disclaim." 


24  HI 8  TORY    OF    THE 

"During  the  delivery  of  the  address,"  says  Bishop 
Gregg,  "a  beautiful  and  touching  incident  occurred.  As 
the  speaker,  rising  to  his  full  height,  and  his  whole  form 
expanded  with  deep  emotion,  in  tones  of  bold  and  fervid 
eloquence  hurled  defiance  against  the  evil  one  himself 
if  he  should  come  to  oppose  the  work  of  God,  the  folds 
of  the  United  States  flag,  which  clung  idly  to  its  staff 
above  his  head,  were  caught  up  by  the  breeze  and  seemed 
for  one  instant  to  envelop  him.  The  effect  was  said  to 
have  been  thrilling  upon  those  who  witnessed  the  scene." 

At  4  o'clock  p.  m.  the  convention  organized  with  Bishop 
Otey  as  chairman;  Bishops  Polk,  Otey,  Elliott,  Cobbs, 
Green,  Rutledge  and  Davis  answered  to  the  roll,  with 
seven  clerical  and  six  lay  delegates.  The  conception  of 
the  University,  as  set  forth  in  Bishop  Folk's  letter,  and  in 
the  address  of  the  bishops,  was  so  entirely  accepted  by 
this  convention  of  delegates  on  Lookout  Mountain,  that 
they  proceeded  at  once  to  the  question  of  organization; 
appointed  committees  on  location;  to  obtain  a  charter; 
of  ways  and  means ;  of  organization ;  program  and  work- 
ing of  machinery,  and  of  constitution  and  buildings. 
The  first  important  step  adopted  was  a  declaration  of 
principles  embodying,  substantially,  those  contained  in 
the  Bishop's  address  of  October  1856.  This  declaration 
was  headed  as  viz: 

We,    the   undersigned   bishops    and    delegates    of   the 
dioceses   of  North   Carolina,    South   Carolina,    Georgia, 
Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana,  Texas,  Arkan 
sas   and    Tennessee,    do   hereby    resolve   to    establish    a 
University  upon  the  following  principles: 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2& 

First. — The  University  shall  in  all  its  parts  be  under 
the  sole  and  perpetual  direction  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  represented  through  a  board  of  trustees. 

Second. — The  board  of  trustees  shall  be  composed  of 
the  bishops  of  the  dioceses  above  named,  ex  officio,  and 
one  clergyman  and  two  laymen  from  each  of  said 
dioceses,  to  be  elected  by  the  convention  of  the  same. 
The  joint  consent  of  bishops  as  an  order,  and  of  the 
clerical  and  lay  trustees  as  another  order,  shall  be 
necessary  to  the  adoption  of  any  measure  proposed.  The 
senior  bishop  by  consecration  shall  always  be  president 
of  the  board. 

Third. — This  University  shall  not  be  put  in  operation 
until  the  sum  of  at  least  five  hundred  thousand  dollars 
be  actually  secured. 

Fourth. — The  funds  subscribed  to  this  University  shall 
all  be  considered  as  capital,  to  be  preserved  untouched  for 
any  purpose  connected  either  with  the  organization  or 
management  of  the  University,  provided  that  donations 
and  legacies  may  be  received  for  such  objects  as  the 
donors  may  indicate. 

Fifth. — There  shall  be  a  treasurer  appointed  in  each 
diocese  by  the  convention  of  the  same,  to  whom  shall  be 
delivered  the  cash,  notes,  bonds,  stocks,  or  titles  to  lands 
obtained  as  subscription  in  that  diocese,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be,  under  the  advice  of  the  standing  committee,  to 
invest  the  cash  and  all  money  which  shall  be  derived  from 
the  realization  of  the  above  mentioned  private  securities, 
in  the  best  public  securities  or  in  other  safe  investment, 
paying  over  annually  to  the  treasurer  of  the  University 
the  interest  of  the  amount  subscribed. 


26  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Sixth. — There  shall  be  a  treasurer  of  the  corporation 
who  shall  receive  the  interest  annually  from  the  diocesan 
treasurers,  and  expend  it  under  the  direction  of  the  board 
of  trustees. 

Seventh. — The  amount  subscribed  in  any  diocese  as 
above  shall,  in  the  event  of  the  dissolution  of  the  corpora- 
tion, be  returned  to  the  donors  or  their  legal  representa- 
tives, and  in  case  of  their  being  no  legal  representatives 
then  it  shall  revert  to  the  diocese. 

Eighth. — The  location  of  the  University  shall  be  as 
central  to  all  the  contracting  dioceses  as  shall  be  consis- 
tent with  the  necessary  conditions  of  location. 

Ninth. — No  diocese  shall  be  bound  by  these  principles 
to  furnish  any  particular  sum  of  money,  but  its  contribu- 
tions shall  be  voluntary  according  to  its  pleasure  and 
ability. 

Tenth. — The  signatures  to  this  declaration' shall  not 
bind  the  diocese  further  than  they  have  already  bound, 
or  may  hereafter  bind  themselves,  by  their  respective 
conventions. 

Signed  at  Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  Ten- 
nessee, this  6th  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1857. 

JAMES  H.  OTEY,  Bishop  of  Tennessee. 

LEONIDAS  POLK,  Bishop  of  Louisiana. 

STEPHEN  ELLIOTT,  Bishop  of  Georgia. 

N.  H.  COBBS,  Bishop  of  Alabama. 

W.  M.  GREEN,  Bishop  of  Mississippi. 

FRANCIS  H.  RUTLEDGE,  Bishop  of  Florida. 

THOMAS  F.  DAVIS,  Bishop  of  South  Carolina. 

DAVID  PISE,  Tennessee. 

FRANCIS  B.  FOGG,  Tennessee. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  27 

JOHN   ARMFIELD,  Tennessee. 
W.  T.  LEACOCK,  Louisiana. 
GEORGE  S.  GUION,  Louisiana. 
HENRY  C.  LAY,  Alabama. 
CHAS.  T.  POLLARD,  Alabama. 
L.  H.  ANDERSON,  Alabama. 
W.  W.  LORD,  Mississippi. 
ALEXANDER  GREGG,  South  Carolina. 
M.  A.  CURTIS,  North  Carolina. 
W.  D.  WARREN,  North  Carolina. 
I.  WOOD  DUNN,  Texas.* 

Committees  were  appointed  to  report  at  an  adjourned 
meeting  appointed  to  be  held  at  Montgomery,  Alabama, 
on  the  25th  day  of  November,  1857.  The  secretary,  Dr. 
Lay,  afterwards  bishop  of  Arkansas  and  Easton,  was 
requested  to  prepare  a  narrative  of  the  proceedings, 
inclusive  of  the  address  of  Bishop  Otey,  of  which  ten 
thousand  copies  were  ordered  to  be  published.  This  task 
was  gracefully  accomplished  by  Dr.  Lay.  An  excellent 
report  of  the  proceedings  was  also  furnished  by  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Gregg,  subsequently  bishop  of  Texas,  and 
published  in  the  Southern  Churchman,  and  also  in 
pamphlet  form. 


*Florida  would  have  been  represented  by  a  clerical  and  lay 
delegate  if  its  convention  had  met  in  time. 


28  HISTORY    OF    TEE 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  adjourned  meeting  held  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  in  November,. 
1857 — Selection  of  location— Application  for  a  charter — Selec- 
tion of  a  name — Subsequent  meetings  at  Beersheba  Springs, 
Tenn.,  and  New  Orleans — Constitution  and  statutes  consid- 
ered— Charter  accepted,  etc. 

THE  press  notices  of  the  meeting  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  the  wide  distribution  of  the  ten  thousand  copies  of 
the  proceedings  attracted  public  attention  to  a  very 
marked  degree.  The  magnitude  of  the  enterprise,  the 
combination  of  the  whole  Southern  Episcopal  Church, 
the  three  millions  of  dollars  of  endowment  proposed  to  be 
raised,  all  gave  prominence  and  dignity  to  the  movement, 
and  the  question  of  location  gave  local  interest  to  all 
the  communities  within  the  specified  area  of  choice. 

The  committee  on  location  consisted  of  Bishops  Polk, 
Elliott,  Cobbs,  Rutledge  and  Atkinson,  Rev.  Dr.  Pise,  Rev. 
Alexander  Gregg,  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  and  Mr.  Geo.  S.  Yerger, 
nearly  every  diocese  being  represented  on  the  committee. 
A  series  of  questions,  eighteen  in  number,  were  prepared, 
indicating  the  principal  requisites  of  a  location,  which 
were  to  be  answered  as  to  each  location  proposed.  Eleva- 
tion above  the  sea  and  elevation  above  the  surrounding 
country?  Extent  of  available  surface  to  be  had?  Nature 
Qf  soil?  Character  of  building  stone  and  accessibility? 
Water  supply?  Brick,  clay,  coal?  Range  of  the  tempera- 
ture? Facilities  of  access  from  the  respective  dioceses, 
etc.?  The  sites  proposed  and  examined  were  R. .  .Hill  and 
Monte  Sano,  near  Huntsville,  Cleveland,  Atlanta,  Chatta- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2* 

nooga,  McMinville  and  Sewanee.  Large  donations  and 
substantial  aid  were  promised  by  each  community  or 
parties  interested  in  securing  the  location.  Col.  Walter 
Gwynn,  a  civil  engineer  of  high  reputation  was  selected 
as  the  commissioner  of  location.  He  associated  Col. 
C.  R.  Barney,  C.  E.,  of  Maryland,  with  him,  who  did 
much  of  the  practical  field  work.  The  commissioner  and 
the  committee  on  location  were  prepared  to  report  at 
the  adjourned  meeting  held  at  Montgomery,  Alabama, 
November  25th,  1857.  During  the  intervening  period 
from  July  to  November,  Bishop  Polk  visited  Beersheba 
Springs,*  where  many  people  from  Louisiana  spent  their 
summers,  and  while  there  met  Col.  V.  K.  Stevenson, 
President  of  the  Nashville  and  Chattanooga  Railroad 
Company,  who  called  his  attention  to  Sewanee  as  a  suit- 
able location  for  the  proposed  University.  A  party  was 
made  up  consisting  of  Bishop  Polk,  Colonel  Stevenson, 
Dr.  Estill  of  Winchester,  John  Armfield,  John  M.  Bass 
and  Dr.  Safford,  since  State  geologist,  to  ride  up  from 
Winchester  and  examine  the  claims  of  Sewanee  as  a 
suitable  location.  It  is  said  that  Bishop  Polk  was  at 
once  impressed  with  its  many  advantages  and  exclaimed 
that  it  was  the  ideal  location  for  the  University.f 

*Beersheba  Springs  was  a  favorite  summer  resort  for  resi- 
dents of  Louisiana  and  other  Gulf  States.  It  is  about  thirty  miles 
north  of  Sewanee. 

fNOTE  OF  DR.  SAFFORD. 

To  this  (the  abundance  of  our  water  supply  and  its  purity) 
the  writer  can  testify.  He  is  the  only  surviving  member  of  a 
party  of  gentlemen,  John  Armfield,  V.  K.  Stevenson  and  John  M. 
Bass,  who,  with  himself,  accompanied  Bishop  Polk  in  a  recon- 
naisance  of  the  mountain  which  resulted  in  fixing  the  site  of 


30  HISTORY    OF    THE 

It  so  happened  that  none  other  of  the  trustees  or  com- 
mittee on  location  had  ever  been  at  Sewanee,  then  only 
known  in  connection  with  the  Sewanee  coal  mines,  which 
were  first  opened  at  the  lower  coal  banks,  adjoining  the 
eastern  boundary  of  the  University  domain.  There  were 
present  at  the  meeting;  at  Montgomery,  November  25th, 
1857,  Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Cobbs,  Green,  Rutledge 
and  Atkinson,  and  clerical  and  lay  trustees  from  North 
Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Alabama,  Florida,  Texas  and 
Tennessee.  Bishop  Otey  presided  and  Rev.  H.  C.  Lay 
was  secretary.  The  committee  on  charter  presented  a 
draught  of  same.  The  committee  on  location,  through 
Bishop  Polk,  presented  their  report  as  information.  The 
question  on  location  was  taken  up  and  discussed  at  much 
length.  The  point  at  issue,  primarily,  was  whether  the 
vicinity  of  a  town  or  city  should  be  selected,  or  an 
independent  location  upon  the  elevated  lands,  with  a  large 
domain,  at  present  isolated.  The  vote  was  taken  by 
ballot  and  by  orders.  Huntsville,  Ala.,  McMinville,  Tenn., 
the  vicinity  of  Chattanoooga,  Tenn.,  the  vicinity  of  Cleve- 
land, Tenn.,  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  Sewanee,  Tenn.,  were 
severally  put  in  nomination  and  voted  upon;  seventeen 
ballots  being  taken.  Two-thirds  of  each  order  were 
necessary  to  make  a  choice.  On  the  seventeenth  ballot 
the  vote  of  the  bishops  stood  for  Sewanee  5,  Atlanta  2; 

Sewanee.  Well  does  he  remember  the  earnest  enthusiasm  with 
which  the  Bishop  rode  over  the  ground,  up  one  hill  and  down 
another,  to  this  spring  and  to  that  until,  reining  up  his  horse  in 
the  midst  of  a  beautiful  growth  of  forest  trees,  and  more  than 
satisfied,  exclaimed,  "Gentlemen,  here  is  the  spot,  and  here  shall 
be  the  University."— Note  by  J.  M.  Safford,  Ph.  D.,  to  monograph 
on  the  topography  and  water  supply  of  Sewanee,  Tenn.  18,  3. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  31 

of  clerical  and  lay  trustees,  Sewanee  4,  Huntsville  2, 
Atlanta  1.  At  this  period  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis,  of  North 
Carolina,  offered  a  resolution  that  Sewanee  be  selected 
as  the  site  of  the  proposed  University,  which  was  adopted 
unanimously.  The  committee  on  charter  reported  the 
draft  of  same.  Mr.  Fairbanks  moved  to  fill  the  blank 
as  to  name  with  the  words,  "The  University  of  the 
South,"  being  the  name  proposed  by  Bishop  Green  at 
Lookout  Mountain.  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  moved  "The  Church 
University."  Bishop  Atkinson  moved  "The  University  of 
Sewanee." 

The  amendments  were  lost  and  the  blank  wras  filled 
with  the  words  "The  University  of  the  South"  and  the 
draught  of  the  charter  was  then  approved.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  procure  such  charter  from  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  consisting  of  Francis 
B.  Fogg  and  Russel  Houston.  A  resolution  was  passed 
requesting  Bishops  Polk  and  Elliott  to  act  as  general 
commissioners  to  canvass  the  several  dioceses  for  subscrip- 
tions. During  this  session  Colonel  Groom,  of  Alabama, 
made  an  offer  of  $25,000  to  endow  a  professorship,  which 
was  gladly  accepted,  a  harbinger  and  encouragement  of 
future  success.  Bishop  Otey  called  a  meeting  of  the 
trustees  to  be  held  at  Beersheba,  Grundy  County,  Tenn., 
on  the  3d  of  July,  1858,  for  the  purpose,  as  stated  by  him, 
of  acting  on  the  question  of  accepting  the  charter  granted 
by  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  at  its  late  session  incor- 
porating "The  University  of  the  South,"  etc.  There  were 
present  at  this  meeting  Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Green, 
Cobbs  and  Rutledge  and  clerical  and  lay  trustees  from. 


32  HISTORY    OF    THE 

South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Florida, 
Louisiana,  Tennessee. 

Considerable  newspaper  discussion  and  criticism  hav- 
ing been  made,  relative  to  the  choice  of  Sewanee  as  the 
location  for  the  University,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to 
re-open  the  question,  which  was  effected  by  a  motion  for 
reconsideration,  made  by  Bishop  Green  and  seconded  by 
Bishop  Polk.  The  immediate  cause  of  this  proposition 
was  a  resolution  which  had  been  passed  by  the  convention 
of  the  diocese  of  Alabama,  viz:  "Whereas  the  selection 
of  Sewanee  as  the  location  of  the  proposed  University  of 
the  South,  does  not  appear  to  have  given  general  satis- 
faction, therefore  resolved  that  the  trustees  on  the  part 
of  this  diocese  be  requested  to  urge  the  reconsideration 
of  the  question  of  location  at  the  meeting  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  with  the  view  to  restore  confidence  in  the  minds 
of  those  of  its  friends  who  deem  Sewanee  an  unsuitable 
location."  The  discussion  which  followed  was  a  very 
interesting  one,  and  will  be  found  sketched  in  the  journal 
of  that  meeting.  The  trustees  from  Alabama  explained 
that  the  question  looked  at  in  their  convention  was  "upon 
economical  and  other  grounds  against  the  mountain  and 
for  the  plain."  Dr.  Lay  expressed  his  own  concurrence 
in  the  selection  of  Sewanee.  Bishop  Cobbs,  in  a  most 
Christian  and  lovely  spirit,  so  characteristic  of  his 
nature,  maintained  his  views  in  favor  of  the  plain,  but 
"now"  said  the  Bishop,  "that  we  are  fairly  beaten  and 
thoroughly  defeated,  I  give  up  and  surrender.  I  have 
fought  the  question  to  the  end  and  if  it  were  right  and 
proper  I  would  fight  it  yet.  We  have  done  our  duty 
and  the  result  is  against  us.  Since  you  will  not  come 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  17 

elusions.  He  knew  precisely  what  was  proposed  to  be 
undertaken,  and  how  it  was  to  be  carried  through.  He 
had  gone  from  the  abstract  idea  of  the  importance  of 
Christian  education  to  the  South  to  the  practical  means 
of  obtaining  it.  He  took  for  granted  the  importance 
and  necessity  of  the  work,  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
believed  it  could  be  carried  into  effect.  He  began  by 
laying  his  plans  in  a  bold  and  open  type  before  the  bishops 
of  the  South.  He  recognized  the  fact  that  their  indorse- 
ment, approval  and  advocacy,  was  to  be  a  prime  factor 
in  the  movement.  As  the  whole  idea  of  success  was 
based  upon  the  joint  united  action  of  all  the  dioceses  of 
the  South  and  Southwest,  the  project  must  go  forth,  if 
at  all,  with  their  united,  hearty  assent  and  approval. 
The  great  wisdom  and  sagacity  of  Bishop  Polk  is  shown 
in  his  recognition  of  this  fact,  and  obtaining  not  only 
their  approval  and  indorsement  of  his  project,  but  that 
they  would  jointly  support  and  send  forth  the  plan  he 
had  suggested,  giving  it  all  the  weight  of  their  united 
names  and  recommendation.  He  thus  wisely  planned  to 
make  the  proposed  university  the  work  of  the  church  in 
the  South,  represented  by  all  of  the  Southern  bishops. 
This  concurrent  action  on  the  part  of  the  bishops  was 
most  heartily  given,  and,  in  order  to  give  in  the  most 
public  manner  its  due  effect  and  influence,  the  bishops, 
after  consultation  and  conference  among  themselves,  and 
with  the  clerical  and  lay  representatives  from  the  South 
then  in  attendance  on  the  general  convention  in  Phila- 
delphia, issued  an  address  to  the  members  and  friends 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Southern  and 
Southwestern  States,  namely,  in  the  dioceses  of  North 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama, 
Mississippi,  Louisiana,  Texas,  Arkansas  and  Tennessee. 

They  prefaced  their  address  as  follows:  "The  under- 
signed bishops  of  the  dioceses  above  named,  under  a 
sense  of  their  responsibility  to  God  as  your  chief  pastors, 
charged  with  the  duty  of  devising  measures  for  the  train- 
ing of  your  children  in  all  those  graces  and  virtues  which 
belong  to  the  Christian  character,  have  deemed  it  proper 
for  the  better  discharge  of  their  trust  to  unite  in  proposing 
to  you  a  plan  of  union  by  which  they  may  be  efficiently 
aided  in  the  accomplishment  of  this  common  duty." 

They  then  proceed  to  inculcate  the  necessity  and 
importance  of  religion,  supported  by  an  adequate  amount 
of  intellectual  culture;  they  refer  to  what  has  been  done 
by  the  Presbyterians  at  Princeton,  the  Congregationalists 
at  Yale,  the  Unitarians  at  Harvard,  and  the  Methodists 
and  other  religious  bodies  elsewhere. 

The  value  of  intelligence  and  moral  sentiment  in 
support  of  our  government  is  clearly  set  forth,  and  our 
duty  as  churchmen  to  make  thoughtful  provision  for  the 
children  of  the  church,  in  regard  to  their  moral  and 
spiritual  as  well  as  intellectual  well  being.  They  ask 
what  are  we  doing  for  these  children,  what  effort  are  we 
making  to  throw  around  them,  during  the  most  important 
period  of  their  life,  their  collegiate  career,  those  sustain- 
ing supports  as  well  as  those  wholesome  restraints 
furnished  by  our  holy  religion  as  exhibited  and  illustrated 
in  the  offices  of  the  church  of  their  fathers — what  to 
combat  scepticism  and  infidelity — what  to  raise  up  men 
to  fill  the  ministry?  It  is  manifest,  they  say,  "that  there 
exists  within  the  pales  of  our  dioceses  a  great  educational 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  19 

necessity,  common  to  all  our  dioceses.  That  in  view  of 
this  state  of  things  they,  the  bishops,  had  considered 
the  matter,  and  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that  no  time 
should  be  lost  in  relieving  it,  and  that  no  plan  of  relief 
presents  itself  of  so  promising  a  character  as  that  which 
would  unite  the  energies  and  resources  of  our  dioceses  in 
one  common  effort.  They  had  therefore  resolved,  after 
mature  deliberation,  and  consultation  with  leading  clergy- 
men and  laymen  of  our  several  dioceses,  to  propose  to 
you  to  unite  our  strength  in  founding  a  university  upon 
such  a  scale  of  magnitude  as  shall  answer  all  our  wants. 
This  we  propose  shall  be  a  university,  with  all  the  facul- 
ties, theological  included,  upon  a  plan  so  extensive  as  to 
comprise  the  whole  course  usually  embraced  in  the  most 
approved  institutions  of  that  grade,  whether  at  home  or 
abroad."  They  admit  the  magnitude  of  such  an  enter- 
prise, the  large  amount  of  capital  necessary  for  its 
foundation,  and  the  weighty  responsibility  of  shaping  its 
plans  and  conducting  them  to  a  successful  issue.  But 
considering  the  pervading  and  far  reaching  influence 
such  an  institution  would  have  upon  both  the  State  and 
the  church,  and  the  extent  of  the  field  whence  we  propose 
to  draw  not  only  the  means  to  build  it  up,  but  the  minds 
to  found  and  govern  it,  they  dare  not  hesitate  to  believe 
that  all  the  resources  necessary,  of  whatever  character, 
are  within  our  reach  and  will  be  forthcoming  as  soon 
as  they  shall  be  needed.  To  say  nothing  of  the  well 
known  and  ample  wealth  belonging  to  our  community 
generally,  we  will  not  allow  ourselves  to  believe  that, 
upon  the  presentation  of  such  an  occasion  for  the  employ- 
ment of  a  part  of  that  treasure  committed  to  our 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE 

stewardship,  we  shall  fail  to  find  our  Lawrences  and 
Stuyvesants,  our  Moores  and  Kohnes  and  Gores  and 
Dudleys  (names  for  the  most  part  now  forgotten  under 
the  greater  glamour  of  Peabody,  John  Hopkins,  Vander- 
bilt,  Packer,  Rockefeller,  Cornell,  Stanford,  etc)  ready 
to  lend  their  aid  in  the  consummation  of  so  great  a  work." 
They  then  proceed  to  state  what  their  proposition  is : 

First. — That  the  University  should  be  in  all  its  parts 
under  the  sole  and  perpetual  direction  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church. 

Second. — That  the  board  of  trustees  should  be  composed 
of  the  bishops  of  all  the  dioceses  ex  offlcio  so  uniting,  and 
of  one  clergyman  and  two  laymen,  to  be  elected  by  the 
conventions  of  each  diocese,  and  a  vote  by  orders  provided 
for. 

Third.— That  the  sum  of  $500,000,  at  least,  shall  be 
raised  before  the  work  be  commenced. 

Fourth. — A  treasurer  in  each  diocese,  who  shall  receive 
and  invest  all  money  given  in  that  diocese,  paying  to  the 
university  treasurer  the  interest  of  the  same. 

Fifth. — A  treasurer  of  the  corporation. 

Sixth. — The  amount  subscribed  in  any  diocese  to  revert 
in  case  of  dissolution. 

Seventh. — Each  bishop  shall  bring  the  subject  speedily 
before  his  diocese  and  convention,  and  shall  also  put  in 
operation  any  agencies  he  may  think  best  for  promoting 
the  cause,  in  accordance  with  the  general  principles  here 
laid  down. 

Eighth. — That  the  senior  bishop  by  consecration  shall 
always  be  chancellor  of  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  21 

Ninth. — It  is  deemed  expedient  to  establish  the  Uni- 
versity at  some  spot  near  Chattanooga,  where  the  various 
railroads  traversing  our  dioceses  converge,  thus  rendering 
access  to  it  from  every  direction  easy  and  speedy. 

This  address  was  sent  forth  bearing  the  signatures  of 
Bishops  Otey  of  Tennessee,  Polk  of  Louisiana,  Elliott  of 
Georgia,  Cobbs  of  Alabama,  Freeman  of  Arkansas,  Green 
of  Mississippi,  Rutledge  of  Florida,  Davis  of  South 
Carolina  and  Atkinson  of  North  Carolina,  and  bore  date 
Philadelphia,  October  23,  1856.  It  was  undoubtedly 
mainly  written  by  Bishop  Otey,  the  latter  part  probably 
by  Bishop  Polk. 

It  was  printed  and  widely  distributed,  and,  in  pursuance 
of  the  seventh  clause,  the  respective  bishops  brought  the 
subject  before  their  people  and  the  diocesan  conventions. 
Trustees  or  delegates  were  elected  by  the  dioceses  of 
North  Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Alabama,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana,  Texas  and  Tennessee  to  meet  at  Lookout 
Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  on  the  fourth  day  of  July, 
1857,  "to  confer  touching  the  establishment  of  a  university 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church." 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  meeting  of  bishops  and  clerical  and  lay  delegates,  held  at 
Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  July  4th,  1857 — 
Adoption  of  a  plan  of  organization. 

1857. 

THE  respective  diocesan  conventions,  acting  upon  the 
suggestion  of  their  bishops  at  their  ensuing  annual  meet- 
ing, elected  delegates  to  the  proposed  convention  to  be 
held  on  Lookout  Mountain,  and  on  the  4th  day  of  July, 
1857,  the  delegates  assembled  at  that  place.  The  choice 
of  the  4th  of  July  as  the  day  of  meeting  was  intentional, 
and  significant  of  the  patriotism  of  those  engaged  in  the 
enterprise. 

The  bishops  present  were  Bishop  Otey  of  Tennessee, 
Bishop  Polk  of  Louisiana,  Bishop  Elliott  of  Georgia, 
Bishop  Cobbs  of  Alabama,  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi, 
Bishop  Rutledge  of  Florida  and  Bishop  Davis  of  South 
Carolina,  and  clerical  and  lay  delegates  from  Tennessee, 
Louisiana,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  South  Carolina,  North 
Carolina  and  Texas.  Preliminary  to  the  business  meeting 
a  procession  was  formed  and  marched  to  a  stand  appointed 
for  the  opening  exercises.  The  one-hundreth  psalm  was 
sung,  the  twenty-second  chapter  of  the  book  of  Joshua 
was  read  by  Bishop  Green,  appropriate  collects  were 
said  by  Bishop  Cobbs,  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
was  read  by  the  Hon.  G.  B.  Duncan  of  Louisiana,  and  an 
address  made  by  Bishop  Otey.  Bishop  Otey's  address 


Rt.  Rev.  STEPHEN  ELLIOTT, 
Bishop  of  Georgia;     Third  Chancellor  of  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  23 

was  devoted  to  the  subject  of  the  proposed  University, 
prefacing  the  main  topic  by  an  admirable  resume  of  the 
reasons  which  should  stimulate  alike  the  patriot  and  the 
Christian  to  sustain  virtue  and  intelligence  among  the 
people  as  the  chief  supports  of  our  civil  institutions,  and 
he  emphasizes  the  position  that  there  can  be  no  sound 
morality  which  is  not  founded  on  religious  truths,  on 
the  facts  and  doctrines  of  Christianity,  which  he  affirms 
are  the  articles  of  Christian  faith,  as  contained  in  the 
Apostles  Creed,  "The  prime  end  aimed  at  in  our  projected 
University,"  he  says,  "is  to  make  the  Bible  the  ultimate 
and  sufficient  standard  for  the  regulation  of  man's 
conduct  as  a  rational  and  accountable  being,  to  cultivate 
the  moral  affections  of  the  young."  "It  is  designed  to 
found  an  institution  on  the  most  enlarged  and  liberal 
scale,  to  engage  in  its  services  the  best  talents,  the  most 
erudite  learning,  and  the  greatest  skill  and  experience 
which  ample  compensation  and  the  hope  of  usefulness 
can  command;  to  make  its  departments  commensurate 
with  the  wants  and  improvements  of  the  age  in  every 
field  of  philosophic  research,  of  scientific  investigation 
and  of  discovery  in  the  arts."  "Its  advantages  are  to  be 
offered  to  all  who  acknowledge  the  commonly  recognized 
truths  and  obligations  of  Christianity,  and  to  exhibit  it 
under  the  decent  forms  and  solemn  worship  of  that  church 
of  which  we  are  members."  Bishop  Otey,  with  great 
emphasis,  disclaims  the  idea  of  sectionalism  as  connected 
with  the  name.  "The  name  is  one  of  convenient  discrip- 
tion;  it  is  no  party  war  cry,  no  sectional  pass  word;  all 
such  interpretations  we  utterly  disclaim." 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE 

"During  the  delivery  of  the  address,"  says  Bishop 
Gregg,  "a  beautiful  and  touching  incident  occurred.  As 
the  speaker,  rising  to  his  full  height,  and  his  whole  form 
expanded  with  deep  emotion,  in  tones  of  bold  and  fervid 
eloquence  hurled  defiance  against  the  evil  one  himself 
if  he  should  come  to  oppose  the  work  of  God,  the  folds 
of  the  United  States  flag,  which  clung  idly  to  its  staff 
above  his  head,  were  caught  up  by  the  breeze  and  seemed 
for  one  instant  to  envelop  him.  The  effect  was  said  to 
have  been  thrilling  upon  those  who  witnessed  the  scene." 

At  4  o'clock  p.  m.  the  convention  organized  with  Bishop 
Otey  as  chairman;  Bishops  Polk,  Otey,  Elliott,  Cobbs, 
Green,  Butledge  and  Davis  answered  to  the  roll,  with 
seven  clerical  and  six  lay  delegates.  The  conception  of 
the  University,  as  set  forth  in  Bishop  Folk's  letter,  and  in 
the  address  of  the  bishops,  was  so  entirely  accepted  by 
this  convention  of  delegates  on  Lookout  Mountain,  that 
they  proceeded  at  once  to  the  question  of  organization; 
appointed  committees  on  location;  to  obtain  a  charter; 
of  ways  and  means ;  of  organization ;  program  and  work- 
ing of  machinery,  and  of  constitution  and  buildings. 
The  first  important  step  adopted  was  a  declaration  of 
principles  embodying,  substantially,  those  contained  in 
the  Bishop's  address  of  October  1856.  This  declaration 
was  headed  as  viz: 

We,    the   undersigned   bishops    and    delegates    of   the 
dioceses   of  North   Carolina,    South   Carolina,   Georgia, 
Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana,  Texas,  Arkan 
sas   and    Tennessee,    do    hereby   resolve   to    establish    a 
University  upon  the  following  principles: 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2& 

First. — The  University  shall  in  all  its  parts  be  under 
the  sole  and  perpetual  direction  of  the  Protestant  Epis- 
copal Church,  represented  through  a  board  of  trustees. 

Second. — The  board  of  trustees  shall  be  composed  of 
the  bishops  of  the  dioceses  above  named,  ex  officio,  and 
one  clergyman  and  two  laymen  from  each  of  said 
dioceses,  to  be  elected  by  the  convention  of  the  same. 
The  joint  consent  of  bishops  as  an  order,  and  of  the 
clerical  and  lay  trustees  as  another  order,  shall  be 
necessary  to  the  adoption  of  any  measure  proposed.  The 
senior  bishop  by  consecration  shall  always  be  president 
of  the  board. 

Third. — This  University  shall  not  be  put  in  operation 
until  the  sum  of  at  least  five  hundred  thousand  dollars 
be  actually  secured. 

Fourth. — The  funds  subscribed  to  this  University  shall 
all  be  considered  as  capital,  to  be  preserved  untouched  for 
any  purpose  connected  either  with  the  organization  or 
management  of  the  University,  provided  that  donations 
and  legacies  may  be  received  for  such  objects  as  the 
donors  may  indicate. 

Fifth. — There  shall  be  a  treasurer  appointed  in  each 
diocese  by  the  convention  of  the  same,  to  whom  shall  be 
delivered  the  cash,  notes,  bonds,  stocks,  or  titles  to  lands 
obtained  as  subscription  in  that  diocese,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be,  under  the  advice  of  the  standing  committee,  to 
invest  the  cash  and  all  money  which  shall  be  derived  from 
the  realization  of  the  above  mentioned  private  securities, 
in  the  best  public  securities  or  in  other  safe  investment, 
paying  over  annually  to  the  treasurer  of  the  University 
the  interest  of  the  amount  subscribed. 


26  .  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Sixth. — There  shall  be  a  treasurer  of  the  corporation 
who  shall  receive  the  interest  annually  from  the  diocesan 
treasurers,  and  expend  it  under  the  direction  of  the  board 
of  trustees. 

Seventh. — The  amount  subscribed  in  any  diocese  as 
above  shall,  in  the  event  of  the  dissolution  of  the  corpora- 
tion, be  returned  to  the  donors  or  their  legal  representa- 
tives, and  in  caste  of  their  being  no  legal  representatives 
then  it  shall  revert  to  the  diocese. 

Eighth. — The  location  of  the  University  shall  be  as 
central  to  all  the  contracting  dioceses  as  shall  be  consis- 
tent with  the  necessary  conditions  of  location. 

Ninth. — No  diocese  shall  be  bound  by  these  principles 
to  furnish  any  particular  sum  of  money,  but  its  contribu- 
tions shall  be  voluntary  according  to  its  pleasure  and 
ability. 

Tenth. — The  signatures  to  this  declaration  shall  not 
bind  the  diocese  further  than  they  have  already  bound, 
or  may  hereafter  bind  themselves,  by  their  respective 
conventions. 

Signed  at  Lookout  Mountain,  near  Chattanooga,  Ten- 
nessee, this  6th  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1857. 

JAMES  H.  OTEY,  Bishop  of  Tennessee. 

LEONID  AS  POLK,  Bishop  of  Louisiana. 

STEPHEN  ELLIOTT,  Bishop  of  Georgia. 

N.  H.  COBBS,  Bishop  of  Alabama. 

W.  M.  GREEN,  Bishop  of  Mississippi. 

FRANCIS  H.  RUTLEDGE,  Bishop  of  Florida. 

THOMAS  F.  DAVIS,  Bishop  of  South  Carolina. 

DAVID  PISE,  Tennessee. 

FRANCIS  B.  FOGG,  Tennessee. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  27 

JOHN  ARMFIELD,  Tennessee. 
W.  T.  LEACOCK,  Louisiana. 
GEORGE  S.  GUION,  Louisiana. 
HENRY  C.  LAY,  Alabama. 
OHAS.  T.  POLLARD,  Alabama. 
L.  H.  ANDERSON,  Alabama. 
W.  W.  LORD,  Mississippi. 
ALEXANDER  GREGG,  South  Carolina. 
M.  A.  CURTIS,  North  Carolina. 
W.  D.  WARREN,  North  Carolina. 
I.  WOOD  DUNN,  Texas.* 

Committees  were  appointed  to  report  at  an  adjourned 
meeting  appointed  to  be  held  at  Montgomery,  Alabama, 
on  the  25th  day  of  November,  1857.  The  secretary,  Dr. 
Lay,  afterwards  bishop  of  Arkansas  and  Easton,  was 
requested  to  prepare  a  narrative  of  the  proceedings', 
inclusive  of  the  address  of  Bishop  Otey,  of  which  ten 
thousand  copies  were  ordered  to  be  published.  This  task 
was  gracefully  accomplished  by  Dr.  Lay.  An  excellent 
report  of  the  proceedings  was  also  furnished  by  the  Rev. 
Alexander  Gregg,  subsequently  bishop  of  Texas,  and 
published  in  the  Southern  Churchman,  and  also  in 
pamphlet  form. 


*Florida  would  have  been  represented  by  a  clerical  and  lay 
delegate  if  its  convention  had  met  in  time. 


28  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  adjourned  meeting  held  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  in  November, 
1857 — Selection  of  location — Application  for  a  charter — Selec- 
tion of  a  name — Subsequent  meetings  at  Beersheba  Springs, 
Tenn.,  and  New  Orleans — Constitution  and  statutes  consid- 
ered— Charter  accepted,  etc. 

THE  press  notices  of  the  meeting  at  Lookout  Mountain 
and  the  wide  distribution  of  the  ten  thousand  copies  of 
the  proceedings  attracted  public  attention  to  a  very 
marked  degree.  The  magnitude  of  the  enterprise,  the 
combination  of  the  whole  Southern  Episcopal  Church, 
the  three  millions  of  dollars  of  endowment  proposed  to  be 
raised,  all  gave  prominence  and  dignity  to  the  movement 
and  the  question  of  location  gave  local  interest  to  all 
the  communities  within  the  specified  area  of  choice. 

The  committee  on  location  consisted  of  Bishops  Polk, 
Elliott,  Cobbs,  Rutledge  and  Atkinson,  Rev.  Dr.  Pise,  Rev. 
Alexander  Gregg,  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  and  Mr.  Geo.  S.  Yerger, 
nearly  every  diocese  being  represented  on  the  committee. 
A  series  of  questions,  eighteen  in  number,  were  prepared, 
indicating  the  principal  requisites  of  a  location,  which 
were  to  be  answered  as  to  each  location  proposed.  Eleva- 
tion above  the  sea  and  elevation  above  the  surrounding 
country  ?  Extent  of  available  surface  to  be  had  ?  Nature 
of  soil?  Character  of  building  stone  and  accessibility? 
Water  supply?  Brick,  clay,  coal?  Range  of  the  tempera- 
ture? Facilities  of  access  from  the  respective  dioceses, 
etc.?  The  sites  proposed  and  examined  were  R. .  .Hill  and 
Monte  Sano,  near  Huntsville,  Cleveland,  Atlanta,  Chatta- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2S 

nooga,  McMinville  and  Sewanee.  Large  donations  and 
substantial  aid  were  promised  by  each  community  or 
parties  interested  in  securing  the  location.  Col.  Walter 
Gwynn,  a  civil  engineer  of  high  reputation  was  selected 
as  the  commissioner  of  location.  He  associated  Col. 
C.  K.  Barney,  C.  E.,  of  Maryland,  with  him,  who  did 
much  of  the  practical  field  work.  The  commissioner  and 
the  committee  on  location  were  prepared  to  report  at 
the  adjourned  meeting  held  at  Montgomery,  Alabama, 
November  25th,  1857.  During  the  intervening  period 
from  July  to  November,  Bishop  Polk  visited  Beersheba 
Springs,*  where  many  people  from  Louisiana  spent  their 
summers,  and  while  there  met  Col.  V.  K.  Stevenson, 
President  of  the  Nashville  and  Chattanooga  Railroad 
Company,  who  called  his  attention  to  Sewanee  as  a  suit- 
able location  for  the  proposed  University.  A  party  was 
made  up  consisting  of  Bishop  Polk,  Colonel  Stevenson, 
Dr.  Estill  of  Winchester,  John  Armfield,  John  M.  Bass 
and  Dr.  Safford,  since  State  geologist,  to  ride  up  from 
Winchester  and  examine  the  claims  of  Sewanee  as  a 
suitable  location.  It  is  said  that  Bishop  Polk  was  at 
once  impressed  with  its  many  advantages  and  exclaimed 
that  it  was  the  ideal  location  for  the  University.f 

*Beersheba  Springs  was  a  favorite  summer  resort  for  resi- 
dents of  Louisiana  and  other  Gulf  States.  It  is  about  thirty  miles 
north  of  Sewanee. 

fNOTE  OF  DR.  SAFFORD. 

To  this  (the  abundance  of  our  water  supply  and  its  purity) 
the  writer  can  testify.  He  is  the  only  surviving  member  of  a 
party  of  gentlemen,  John  Armfield,  V.  K.  Stevenson  and  John  M. 
Bass,  who,  with  himself,  accompanied  Bishop  Polk  in  a  recon- 
naisance  of  the  mountain  which  resulted  in  fixing  the  site  of 


30  HISTORY    OF    THE 

It  so  happened  that  none  other  of  the  trustees  or  com- 
mittee on  location  had  ever  been  at  Sewanee,  then  only 
known  in  connection  with  the  Sewanee  coal  mines,  which 
were  first  opened  at  the  lower  coal  banks,  adjoining  the 
eastern  boundary  of  the  University  domain.  There  were 
present  at  the  meeting  at  Montgomery,  November  25th, 
1857,  Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Cobbs,  Green,  Rutledge 
and  Atkinson,  and  clerical  and  lay  trustees  from  North 
Carolina,  South  Carolina,  Alabama,  Florida,  Texas  and 
Tennessee.  Bishop  Otey  presided  and  Rev.  H.  C.  Lay 
was  secretary.  The  committee  on  charter  presented  a 
draught  of  same.  The  committee  on  location,  through 
Bishop  Polk,  presented  their  report  as  information.  The 
question  on  location  was  taken  up  and  discussed  at  much 
length.  The  point  at  issue,  primarily,  was  whether  the 
vicinity  of  a  town  or  city  should  be  selected,  or  an 
independent  location  upon  the  elevated  lands,  with  a  large 
domain,  at  present  isolated.  The  vote  was  taken  by 
ballot  and  by  orders.  Huntsviile,  Ala.,  McMinville,  Tenn., 
the  vicinity  of  Chattanoooga,  Tenn.,  the  vicinity  of  Cleve- 
land, Tenn.,  Atlanta,  G.a.,  and  Sewranee,  Tenn.,  were 
severally  put  in  nomination  and  voted  upon;  seventeen 
ballots  being  taken.  Two-thirds  of  each  order  were 
necessary  -to  make  a  choice.  On  the  seventeenth  ballot 
the  vote  of  the  bishops  stood  for  Sewanee  5,  Atlanta  2; 

Sewanee.  Well  does  he  remember  the  earnest  enthusiasm  with 
which  the  Bishop  rode  over  the  ground,  up  one  hill  and  down 
another,  to  this  spring  and  to  that  until,  reining  up  his  horse  in 
the  midst  of  a  beautiful  growth  of  forest  trees,  and  more  than 
satisfied,  exclaimed,  "Gentlemen,  here  is  the  spot,  and  here  shall 
be  the  University." — Note  by  J.  M.  Safford,  Ph.  D.,  to  monograph 
on  the  topography  and  water  supply  of  Sewanee,  Tenn.  18,  3. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  31 

of  clerical  and  lay  trustees,  Sewanee  4,  Huntsville  2, 
Atlanta  1.  At  this  period  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis,  of  North 
Carolina,  offered  a  resolution  that  Sewanee  be  selected 
as  the  site  of  the  proposed  University,  which  was  adopted 
unanimously.  The  committee  on  charter  reported  the 
draft  of  same.  Mr.  Fairbanks  moved  to  fill  the  blank 
as  to  name  with  the  words,  "The  University  of  the 
South,"  being  the  name  proposed  by  Bishop  Green  at 
Lookout  Mountain.  Rev.  Mr.  Dunn  moved  "The  Church 
University."  Bishop  Atkinson  moved  "The  University  of 
Sewanee." 

The  amendments  were  lost  and  the  blank  was  filled 
with  the  words  "The  University  of  the  South"  and  the 
draught  of  the  charter  was  then  approved.  A  committee 
was  appointed  to  procure  such  charter  from  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  consisting  of  Francis 
B.  Fogg  and  Russel  Houston.  A  resolution  was  passed 
requesting  Bishops  Polk  and  Elliott  to  act  as  general 
commissioners  to  canvass  the  several  dioceses  for  subscrip- 
tions. During  this  session  Colonel  Croom,  of  Alabama, 
made  an  offer  of  $25,000  to  endow  a  professorship,  which 
was  gladly  accepted,  a  harbinger  and  encouragement  of 
future  success.  Bishop  Otey  called  a  meeting  of  the 
trustees  to  be  held  at  Beersheba,  Grundy  County,  Tenn., 
on  the  3d  of  July,  1858,  for  the  purpose,  as  stated  by  him, 
of  acting  on  the  question  of  accepting  the  charter  granted 
by  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  at  its  late  session  incor- 
porating "The  University  of  the  South,"  etc.  There  were 
present  at  this  meeting  Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Green, 
Cobbs  and  Rutledge  and  clerical  and  lav  trustees  from. 


:32  HISTORY    OF    THE 

South  Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Florida, 
Louisiana,  Tennessee. 

Considerable  newspaper  discussion  and  criticism  hav- 
ing been  made,  relative  to  the  choice  of  Sewanee  as  the 
location  for  the  University,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to 
re-open  the  question,  which  was  effected  by  a  motion  for 
reconsideration,  made  by  Bishop  Green  and  seconded  by 
Bishop  Polk.  The  immediate  cause  of  this  proposition 
was  a  resolution  which  had  been  passed  by  the  convention 
of  the  diocese  of  Alabama,  viz:  "Whereas  the  selection 
of  Sewanee  as  the  location  of  the  proposed  University  of 
the  South,  does  not  appear  to  have  given  general  satis- 
faction, therefore  resolved  that  the  trustees  on  the  part 
of  this  diocese  be  requested  to  urge  the  reconsideration 
of  the  question  of  location  at  the  meeting  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  with  the  view  to  restore  confidence  in  the  minds 
of  those  of  its  friends  who  deem  Sewanee  an  unsuitable 
location."  The  discussion  which  followed  was  a  very 
interesting  one,  and  will  be  found  sketched  in  the  journal 
of  that  meeting.  The  trustees  from  Alabama  explained 
that  the  question  looked  at  in  their  convention  was  "upon 
economical  and  other  grounds  against  the  mountain  and 
for  the  plain."  Dr.  Lay  expressed  his  own  concurrence 
in  the  selection  of  Sewanee.  Bishop  Cobbs,  in  a  most 
Christian  and  lovely  spirit,  so  characteristic  of  his 
nature,  maintained  his  views  in  favor  of  the  plain,  but 
"now"  said  the  Bishop,  "that  we  are  fairly  beaten  and 
thoroughly  defeated,  I  give  up  and  surrender.  I  have 
fought  the  question  to  the  end  and  if  it  were  right  and 
proper  I  would  fight  it  yet.  We  have  done  our  duty 
and  the  result  is  against  us.  Since  you  will  not  come 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  3S 

down  to  us  from  the  mountain  I  will  climb  the  mountain 
and  join  you  there.  My  convictions  I  cannot  yield,  I 
hold  them  still ;  my  opposition  I  freely  waive  henceforth ; 
I  am  fully  with  you,  and  my  motto  is  'Pro  Deo,  pro 
ecclesia,  pro  communi  patria,  pro  hominum  salute/ 

"1  now  move  to  lay  the  resolution  to  reconsider  on  the 
table,"  which  was  passed  without  a  dissenting  voice. 
The  result  gave  very  general  satisfaction,  and  allayed 
some  apprehensions  which  had  been  felt  as  to  dissension 
on  this  subject. 

Mr.  Fogg  presented  the  charter  of  the  University  of  the 
South,  passed  by  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  on  the  6th 
day  of  January,  1858.  A  resolution  was  passed  by  the 
unanimous  vote  of  the  board,  taken  by  ayes  and  nays, 
accepting  the  charter. 

A  committee  of  nine  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  consti- 
tution, consisting  of  Bishops  Polk,  Elliott  and  Rutledge, 
Rev.  Mr.  Gregg,  Dr.  Lay  and  Dr.  Pise,  and  Messrs.  Fair- 
banks, Couper  and  Fogg.  Said  committee  was  also 
authorized  to  propose  a  plan  of  education,  a  code  of 
by-laws  and  ordinances,  and  any  other  matters  relative 
to  the  organization  and  management  of  the  University. 

The  committee  on  securing  lands  made  their  report  and 
action  was  taken  in  relation  thereto.  Also  in  reference 
to  having  a  turnpike  road  built  from  some  point  on  the 
Nashville  and  Chattanooga  Railroad  to  the  top  of  the 
mountain,  which  the  county  court  of  Franklin  County 
agreed  to  have  constructed.  An  executive  committee  was 
appointed,  and  Bishop  Elliott  and  Bishop  Polk,  Rev. 
Alexander  Gregg,  Messrs.  Fairbanks  and  Calhoun  were 
appointed  a  committee  to  issue  an  address  in  reference 


34  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  the  choice  of  location  of  the  University.  This  address 
was  written  by  Bishop  Elliott  and  widely  circulated. 
The  board  of  trustees  was  then  regularly  organized  under 
the  charter,  Bishop  Otey  being  elected  chancellor,  and 
Eev.  Dr.  Lay,  secretary. 

In  1859  Bishops  Polk  and  Elliott,  as  general  commis- 
sioners for  raising  an  endowment  fund,  issued  an  address- 
upon  the  claims  of  the  University  upon  the  Southern 
church  and  people,  setting  forth  a  brief  outline  of  the 
history  of  the  movement,  and  the  steps  thus  far  taken 
for  its  accomplishment.  They  state  that  thirty  persons 
have  within  a  few  weeks  given  over  $200,000.  They  call 
attention  to  the  principle,  upon  which  we  have  set  out, 
of  never  using  the  capital  of  our  endowment,  which  makes 
it  easy  for  contributors  to  spread  their  payment  over  a 
series  of  years,  paying  interest.  The  idea  being  that  the 
buildings  and  equipment  should  at  first  be  provided  for 
from  the  interest  money,  and  that  then  the  income  should 
support  the  chairs  and  expenses  of  the  institution. 

On  August  10th,  1859,  the  board  of  trustees  met 
again  at  Beersheba  Springs,  Tenn.  There  were  present 
Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Cobbs,  Green  and  Atkinson 
and  clerical  and  lay  trustees  from  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina,  Georgia,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana, 
Florida  and  Tennessee.  Eeport  was  made  relative  to  lands 
secured,  the  larger  body  of  which  was  donated  by  the 
Sewanee  Mining  Company  with  the  condition  that  the 
institution  should  be  put  in  operation  within  ten  years. 
Through  the  active  and  zealous  agency  of  Col.  Arthur  M. 
Rutledge  and  A.  S.  Collyer,  Esq.,  other  tracts  were 
unconditionally  donated.  The  commissioners  of  endow- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  35 

ment,  Bishops  Polk  and  Elliott,  reported  that  they  had 
secured  in  cash,  bonds  and  notes,  payable  in  available 
periods,  $363,580,  that  besides  this  they  had  pledges  from 
entirely  reliable  parties,  to  be  fulfilled  within  a  short 
period,  of  $115,000. 

An  executive  committee  was  appointed,  who  were 
instructed,  as  soon  as  the  commissioners  of  endowment 
had  notified  the  chancellor  that  they  had  secured  the  sum 
of  $500,000,  to  take  all  necessary  steps  for  beginning 
operations  and  laying  the  cornerstone  of  the  central 
building.  The  executive  committee  was  authorized  to^ 
employ  a  landscape  gardener  for  the  purpose  of  laying1 
off  and  arranging  the  grounds  for  the  University  with 
due  regard  to  convenience,  comfort  and  taste.  Under  this 
resolution  the  executive  committee,  through  the  personal 
application  of  Bishop  Polk,  secured  the  services  of  Bishop 
Hopkins  of  Vermont,  who,  among  his  other  extraordinary 
and  multiform  accomplishments  was  distinguished  for 
his  architectural  skill  and  refined  taste  in  landscape 
gardening. 

He  only  accepted  the  invitation  out  of  his  great  regard 
for  Bishop  Polk  and  Bishop  Elliott,  and  sympathy  with 
them  in  the  great  work  that  they  had  undertaken,  and 
because  it  would  enable  him  to  devote  the  compensation 
he  might  receive  to  advance  an  educational  work  he  had 
much  at  heart  in  his  own  diocese.  He  came  to  Sewanee 
in  the  fall  of  1859  with  Bishop  Polk,  and  spent  the  winter 
of  1859-60  in  a  careful  and  laborious  study  of  the  topog- 
raphy and  general  features  of  the  grounds,  having  the 
advantage  of  being  on  the  mountain  after  the  leaves  had! 
fallen,  so  that  the  general  lay  of  the  ground  could  more 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE 

readily  be  observed.  He  planned  locations  for  the  build- 
ings, laid  out  avenues  and  drives,  and  embodied  his  plans 
in  the  Hopkins  map.  He  also  made  several  water-color 
sketches  of  the  scenery  at  Sewanee.  The  board  adjourned 
to  meet  at  New  Orleans  on  the  second  Wednesday  of 
February,  1860,  at  which  time  the  committee  on  constitu- 
tion and  statutes  was  requested  to  make  its  report.  The 
board  of  trustees  met  on  February  8th,  1860,  in  the  city 
hall  in  New  Orleans.  There  were  present  Bishops  Otey, 
Polk,  Elliott,  Green,  Rutledge  and  Lay  and  clerical  trustees 
from  North  Carolina,  Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi, 
Louisiana  and  Tennessee.  Dr.  Lay  having  been  elected 
to  the  Episcopate  of  Arkansas,  Rev.  David  Pise  was 
elected  secretary.  The  committee  appointed  to  prepare 
a  constitution  and  statutes  for  the  University  made  their 
report. 

The  committee  say  in  their  report : 

"That,  impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  duty 
assigned  them,  they  have  proceeded  to  its  discharge  with 
caution  and  mature  deliberation.  Their  first  work  was  to 
obtain  the  modus  operandi  of  the  most  eminent  institutions 
of  learning  in  Europe  and  America.  A  mass  of  material 
was  obtained  from  all  quarters  and  a  careful  investiga- 
tion and  comparison  was  made,  aided  by  memoirs 
published  by  private  individuals  and  a  personal  examina- 
tion by  members  of  the  committee  of  the  practical 
working  of  our  best  universities  and  colleges  in  this 
country,  and  from  the  results  they  have  framed  the 
constitution  and  statutes  reported.  Their  plan  followed 
no  existing  system.  It  is  eclectic,  embracing  features 
which  are  found  in  the  most  distinguished  universities 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  37 

of  Europe;  features  which,  while  they  formed  parts  of 
systems  otherwise  widely  different,  combine  harmoniously 
and  form  an  aggregate  of  all  a  university  in  its  largest 
sense  should  be  expected  to  supply."*  The  report  is  signed 
by  Bishops  Polk,  Elliott,  Kutledge  and  Lay,  Rev.  David 
Pise,  Messrs.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  J.  H.  Couper  and  F.  B. 
Fogg. 


*The  original  draft  of  the  constitution  in  the  handwriting  of 
G.  R.  Fairbanks,  secretary  of  the  committee,  is  on  file  in  the 
archives  of  the  University. 


HIBTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Sewanee  in  October, 
1860 — The  final  adoption  of  a  constitution  and  code  of  stat- 
utes— The  laying  of  the  cornerstone  on  the  10th  of  October, 
1860. 

THE  executive  committee  had  advertised  for  plans  for 
the  central  building  to  contain  a  great  hall  or  theater 
for  commencement  and  other  great  occasions,  with  wings 
to  accommodate  the  library,  galleries  of  art,  museum  and 
the  offices  of  the  University.  A  large  number  of  plans 
were  sent  in  of  various  merit  and  were  considered  by  the 
board.  There  was  considerable  discussion  as  to  the  style 
to  be  adopted.  Bishop  Elliott  favored  the  classical  OP 
Italian  or  Greek  styles,  in  which  style  a  very  handsome 
design  was  furnished  by  Mr.  Lee  of  South  Carolina. 
Bishop  Polk  and  others  preferred  the  early  English,  in 
which  style  Mr.  Anderson,  of  Washington,  had  furnished 
a  very  beautiful  and  complete  design,  the  estimate  of  the 
cost  of  which  was  about  $300,000.  After  much  discussion 
all  the  plans  were  referred  to  the  executive  committee,  by 
whom  the  plan  of  Mr.  Anderson  was  selected.  Unfor- 
tunately his  fine  perspective  drawing  was  lost  during  the 
war. 

As  has  been  before  mentioned,  during  the  winter  preced- 
ing the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  the  main  building 
Bishop  Polk  had  secured  the  services  of  Bishop  Hopkins 
of  Vermont  to  come  to  Sewanee  and  plan  a  scheme  of 
location  for  the  buildings,  and  to  lay  out  avenues  and 
drives,  in  order  that  there  should  be  established  at  the 
outset  a  well-considered,  harmonious,  convenient  and 


I 


Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  GREEN,  D.  D. 
First  Bishop  of  Mississippi?    Fourth  Chancellor  of  University. 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  39 

-suitable  plan,  which  should  be  adhered  to  in  building  up 
the  University.  Bishop  Hopkins  spent  six  months  in 
carrying  out  this  purpose  with  the  aid  of  a  civil  engineer 
and  a  corps  of  assistants.  His  general  plan  was  to  erect 
on  the  highest  and  most  central  ground  a  grand  central 
building,  which  we  have  before  referred  to.  Around  the 
center,  at  varying  distances,  he  selected  twelve  or  more 
college  sites  where  buildings  could  be  advantageously 
placed,  with  ample  grounds  and  forest  trees.  In  the 
vicinity  of  these  college  buildings  professors'  residences 
and  boarding  houses  were  to  be  grouped,  somewhat  on 
the  plan  of  the  English  universities,  except  that  greater 
space  was  allotted  for  growth  and  enlargement. 

Chas.  R.  Barney,  Esq.,  a  civil  engineer  of  great 
accuracy,  ran  a  line  of  levels  over  all  the  domain  lying 
northwest  of  the  railroad,  making  Polks  Spring  the  base 
line,  and  lines  of  level  for  every  ten  feet  rise  of  elevation 
above  Polks  Spring,  and  every  twenty  feet  below.  He 
constructed  a  large  map  upon  a  scale  of  four  hundred 
feet  to  the  inch,  on  which  all  the  topography,  springs 
and  lines  of  level  were  portrayed.  This  map  was,  with 
other  university  documents,  burned  at  Opelika,  Ala.,  in 
1865,  at  the  time  of  Wilson's  raid  of  United  States  forces 
in  that  part  of  the  country. 

The  several  springs  and  prominent  points  and  views 
were  named  in  1859  by  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green  and  G.  R. 
Fairbanks,  in  conference  with  Mr.  C.  R.  Barney,  the 
engineer.  The  large  spring  near  Tremlett  Hall  was 
named  Polks  Spring.  That  in  the  rear  of  A.  T.  O.  Hall 
was  named  Otey  Spring.  Others  were  Greens  Spring, 
Cobbs  Spring,  on  the  southeast  side  of  the  railroad,  etc. 


40  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Greens  View  was  opened  out  by  Bishop  Green;  Grooms 
Bluff  named  after  Mr.  Crooin  of  Alabama,  a  generous 
donor;  Morgans  Steep  after  Mr.  Morgan  of  Louisiana; 
Point  Rutledge  after  Col.  A.  M.  Rutledge,  a  devoted 
friend  of  the  University. 

When  it  was  decided  by  the  executive  committee  that 
the  preliminary  work  was  sufficiently  well  advanced  to 
initiate  active  operations,  and  the  chancellor,  Bishop 
Otey,  was  so  advised,  the  committee  decided  to  lay  the 
cornerstone  of  the  great  central  building  with  as  much 
eclat  and  ceremony  as  was  in  their  power. 

The  University  at  Sewanee  then  boasted  of  a  long  range 
of  one-story  buildings  connected  together  and  having  a 
broad  piazza  entirely  around.  Another  building  was  a 
double  building  of  hewn  logs,  containing  an  engineer's 
office  and  an  executive  committee  room.  Bishop  Polk 
had  erected  a  one-story  cottage  where  Mr.  Fairbanks' 
house  now  stands.  Bishop  Elliott  had  built  a  plain  one- 
story  cottage  just  in  front  of  the  present  A.  T.  O.  Hall, 
and  Mr.  Fairbanks  had  built  a  frame  cottage  on  the  bluff 
west  of  Greens  View. 

It  was  decided  by  the  laymen  to  have  an  oration  by 
some  prominent  Southern  layman.  To  provide  a  banquet, 
and  extend  invitations  to  the  principal  clergy  and  laity 
of  the  Southern  dioceses  to  be  present.  But  how  were 
they  to  be  entertained?  There  was  no  town  nearer  than 
AYinchester,  twelve  miles  off,  and  at  Sewanee  only  the 
buildings  just  described.  The  entertainment  for  several 
hundred  guests  had  to  be  improvised.  For  their  lodging 
several  bales  of  blankets  were  purchased,  bales  of  sheet- 
ing, bed  ticks  were  made  to  be  filled  with  straw,  pillows 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  41 

were  made  up,  the  piazzas  of  the  long  University  log 
building  were  closed  in  with  cloth  and  partitioned  off 
with  same  material,  and  in  this  way,  with  what  accom- 
modation the  three  private  families  could  afford,  some 
three  or  four  hundred  visitors  and  guests  were  lodged 
the  one  night.  A  dining  hall  was  built  without  a  floor, 
and  long  tables  spread.  Many  hogsheads  of  crockery 
procured,  and  a  caterer  with  an  ample  supply  of  provi- 
sions and  a  large  retinue  of  servants  procured  from 
Nashville,  that  thus  the  multitude  might  be  lodged  and 
fed  in  the  wilderness.  For  the  delivery  of  the  oration 
a  large  shed  was  constructed  with  seats  for  three  thou- 
sand people.  On  the  9th  of  October,  1860,  the  board  of 
trustees  met  for  the  first  time  at  Sewanee.  There  were 
present  Bishops  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott,  Cobbs,  Green,  Rut- 
ledge  and  Atkinson.  Clerical  and  lay  trustees  were 
present  from  the  dioceses  of  North  Carolina,  South 
Carolina,  Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama,  Tennessee  and 
Texas.  The  committee  on  the  charter  reported  that  an 
amendment  of  the  charter  had  been  obtained  which 
authorized  the  University  to  receive  donations  and  grants 
of  land  in  addition  to  the  number  of  acres  (10,000) 
specified  in  the  tenth  section  of  the  charter,  provided  that 
if  such  lands  were  in  the  State  of  Tennessee  they  should 
be  sold  and  disposed  of  and  converted  into  personal 
securities  or  State  bonds.  It  also  provided  that  the 
University  should  have  a  right  to  establish  such  police 
and  municipal  regulations  as  might  be  necessary  for  the 
preservation  of  order  and  the  enforcement  of  the  by-laws 
of  the  University.  The  report  of  the  executive  committee 
estimated  that  the  University  held  in  October,  1860, 


42  HISTORY    OP    THE 

bonds  and  obligations  to  amount  of  $393,489,  and 
real  estate  and  franchises  to  the  value  of  $130,000.  The 
committee  on  finances  reported  the  total  amount  of  bonds, 
obligations  and  subscriptions  as  amounting  to  $418,089, 
and  the  value  of  privileges,  lands,  etc.,  $130,000,  making 
a  total  of  $505,000,  after  paying  outstanding  claims. 
The  tenth  day  of  October  had  been  set  apart  for  the 
ceremonies  attendant  upon  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone 
of  the  central  building.  Bishop  Young,  then  an  assistant 
minister  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  had  been  delegated 
to  attend  upon  this  occasion  and  to  report  the  proceed- 
ings for  the  Church  Journal.  He  gives  to  that  paper  the 
following  account  of  that  memorable  day: 

"The  day  appointed  for  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone 
was  the  10th  of  October,  1860.  A  very  large  block  of 
reddish-brown  variegated  Tennessee  marble  had  been 
procured  from  a  quarry  some  miles  distant  from  Win- 
chester in  Franklin  County.  So  ponderous  was  the 
unhewn  block  that  it  required  eight  yoke  of  oxen  to  haul 
it  up  to  the  mountain  top,  and  six  weeks  of  continuous 
labor  of  a  skilled  workman  was  spent  in  shaping  and 
polishing  it.  A  wall  of  massive  sandstone  blocks  had 
been  laid  at  the  southeast  corner  of  the  proposed  build- 
ing to  receive  this  great  cornerstone,  worthy  of  the  grand 
project  it  was  to  materially  inaugurate.  All  the  pre- 
parations were  complete,  and  the  tenth  day  of  October 
dawned  as  beautiful  an  October  day  as  could  be  desired. 
Almost  like  magic  the  mountain  plateau  of  Sewanee 
teemed  with  life,  the  shriek  of  arriving  railway  trains, 
the  rumbling  of  omnibuses  and  carriages  brought  up  for 
the  occasion,  the  throng  of  people  from  the  surrounding 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  43 

country  on  foot,  on  *  horseback,  in  wagons,  carts,  and 
every  conceivable  vehicle,  all  gathering  to  a  common 
center,  evinced  the  interest  which  the  occasion  evoked.  A 
band  of  music  from  Nashville  poured  forth  its  martial 
strains,  and  booths  and  peddler  wagons  indicated  a  gala 
day  for  the  people.  It  was  estimated  that  more  than 
5,000  people  were  present. 

At  midday  a  grand  procession  was  formed  under  the 
direction  of  Maj.  A.  M.  Rutledge,  marshal  of  the  day,  and 
proceeded  to  the  selected  site  of  the  central  building.  A 
large  number  of  laymen,  preceded  by  the  band,  were  fol- 
lowed by  a  long  array  of  clergy  and  the  following  named 
bishops:  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  Atkinson,  D.  D.,  of  North 
Carolina;  Rt.  Rev.  Francis  H.  Rutledge,  D.  D.,  of  Florida; 
Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green  of  Mississippi ;  Rt.  Rev.  N.  H.  Cobbs 
of  Alabama;  Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott,  D.  D.,  of  Georgia; 
Rt.  Rev.  Leonidas  Polk  of  Louisiana;  Rt.  Rev.  James  H. 
Otey,  D.D.,  L.L.D.,  of  Tennessee  and  Rt.  Rev.  Benjamin 
B.  Smith  of  Kentucky.  The  ceremonies  were  commenced 
by  singing  the  hundreth  Psalm  to  its  own  and  well-known 
tune,  in  which  the  whole  multitude  joined,  and  the  grand 
strains  echoed  far  through  the  surrounding  forests.  Rt. 
Rev.  F.  H.  Rutledge,  of  Florida,  then  read  a  portion  of 
scripture;  Bishop  Atkinson,  of  North  Carolina,  followed 
with  an  exhortation,  and  Bishop  Cobbs,  of  Alabama, 
suitable  collects  and  a  special  prayer  appropriate  to  the 
occasion. 

Bishop  Elliott,  of  Georgia,  then  deposited  in  the  corner- 
stone a  copy  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  the  book  of  Common 
Prayer,  the  Constitution  and  Canons  of  the  Protestant 
Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  the  Constitution 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE 

of  the  United  States,  a  bound  volume  of  all  published 
documents  relating  to  the  University,  a  copy  of  each  of 
the  church  papers  and  magazines,  a  church  almanac  for 
the  year  1860,  and  several  silver  coins.  Upon  depositing 
the  Bible,  Bishop  Elliott  said,  "This  sacred  volume,  being 
the  canonical  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments, 
is  desposited  before  and  above  all  memorials  in  this  cor- 
nerstone to  testify  to  the  present  generation  and  to  all 
future  ages  that  the  University  of  the  South  recognizes 
the  Word  of  God  as  the  fountain  of  all  the  learning 
and  as  the  only  source  of  that  knowledge  which  maketh 
wise  unto  salvation."  When  placing  the  Prayer  Book, 
he  said : 

"This  copy  of  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer  is  deposited 
in  this  cornerstone  next  after  the  Woird  df  God  to 
testify  that  the  University  of  the  South  believes  it  to 
be  in  perfect  harmony  with  that  Word,  and  to  exhibit  in 
its  ministry,  doctrine  and  sacraments,  the  Church  of  God 
as  that  Church  was  founded  by  Christ  and  His  Apostles." 
On  depositing  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  he 
said,  "I  next  deposit  in  this  cornerstone  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States,  the  time-honored  bond  which  binds 
together  the  States  of  this  Confederacy,  to  testify  that  the 
University  of  the  South,  while  it  holds  itself  superior 
to  the  State  in  all  strictly  spiritual  matters,  acknowledges 
itself  subordinate  to  it  in  all  matters  of  government  and 
law.  Esto  perpetua." 

The  cavity  was  then  closed  and  sealed  and  the  stone 
adjusted  to  its  place,  and  Bishop  Polk,  of  Louisiana,  said, 
"This  cornerstone  symbolizes  strength  and  stability,  the 
w&ion  of  the  intellectual  and  spiritual  natures  of  man, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  45 

the  sure  and  tried  cornerstone,  the  Wisdom  of  God  and 
the  Power  of  God."  He  then  struck  the  stone  thrice, 
saying,  "In  the  name  of  the  Holy  and  undivided  Trinity, 
Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  three  persons  in  one  God, 
fclessed  forever,  Amen. 

"I,  Leonidas  Polk,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  Louisiana,  on  this 
tenth  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  grace  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  sixty,  do  lay  this  cornerstone  of  an 
edifice  to  be  here  erected  as  the  principal  building  of  the 
University  of  the  South,  an  institution  established  by 
the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  dioceses  of 
Arkansas,  Tennessee,  North  Carolina,  South  Carolina, 
Georgia,  Florida,  Alabama,  Mississippi,  Louisiana  and 
Texas  for  the  cultivation  of  true  religion,  learning  and 
virtue,  that  thereby  God  may  be  glorified  and  the 
happiness  of  man  may  be  advanced.  Other  foundations 
can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid  which  is  Jesus  Christ, 
the  same  yesterday,  today  and  forever,  God  over  all, 
blessed  for  evermore,  in  whom  we  have  redemption  through 
His  Blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  for  there  is  none 
other  name  under  Heaven  given  among  men  whereby  we 
must  be  saved." 

After  which  the  benedicite  was  sung  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
J.  Freeman  Young,  then  an  assistant  minister  of  Trinity 
Church,  New  York,  afterwards  bishop  of  Florida,  and 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  Todd  Quintard,  then  rector  of  the 
Church  of  the  Advent,  Nashville,  Tenn.,  afterwards 
bishop  of  Tennessee.  After  the  benediction  the  assembled 
multitude  proceeded  to  an  immense  shelter  erected  for  the 
purpose  some  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  distant  to  the 
west  which  had  been  suitably  prepared  with  benches  and 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE 

platform.  Bishop  Otey,  the  chancellor  of  the  University, 
came  forward  and  said,  "I  have  the  honor  of  announcing 
to  you  the  orator  of  the  day,  a  name,  Clarum  et  venera- 
bili,  illustrious  in  the  annals  of  our  country,  and  in 
this  instance  designating  a  gentleman  who  has  always 
shown  himself  zealous  and  liberal  in  promoting  the 
interests  of  all  institutions  designed  for  the  honor  of  our 
country  and  the  welfare  of  mankind,  the  Hon.  John  S. 
Preston  of  South  Carolina."  The  orator  was  worthy  of 
his  name  and  fame;  of  lofty  stature  and  splendid 
physique;  grand  and  graceful  in  person,  a  clear,  sweet- 
toned  and  forcible  delivery,  animated  by  the  occasion,  he 
impressed  himself  upon  the  vast  audience  as  one  of 
nature's  noblemen  to  the  manner  born. 

The  oration  was  a  thoughtful  resume  of  the  progress 
of  civilization  as  illustrated  in  the  history  of  the  Church 
of  England.  The  influence  of  the  church  in  building  up 
those  preparatory  schools  and  institutions  of  learning,  the 
transplanting  into  America  of  the  religion  and  love  of 
learning  of  the  English  people,  the  principles  of  Magna 
Charta  and  sound  morality.  The  oration  abounded  with 
many  passages  of  surpassing  beauty,  but  I  will  here  only 
reproduce  the  peroration.  "There  is  no  antiquity  here: 
I  have  recited  to  you  in  general  terms  all  the  history 
which  has  brought  us  here.  There  are  no  monuments 
here  marking  the  vestiges  of  man;  no  pyramids  of  forty 
centuries,  no  parthenon,  no  portico  from  which  dropped 
the  honey  from  Plato's  lips,  no  coliseum  from  which  the 
world's  masters  revel,  no  grand  and  solemn  cathedral 
where  every  echo  resounds  with  a  majestic  history,  no 
purple  light  of  romance  and  chivalry,  no  roseate  hue  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  47 

art  and  poetry.  All  is  new,  fresh  from  the  hand  of 
God;  we  are  the  first;  we  are  primevals  here,  our  only 
calendar  is  the  annulation  of  the  oak,  our  only  history 
is  the  bud,  the  leaf  and  the  autumn  wind.  We  have  come 
to  the  heights  of  Sewanee  to  begin  an  epoch.  But  thanks 
to  our  blessed  church  and  our  liberties  we  come  bring- 
ing history  and  gifts  and  treasures  from  all  times  and 
people;  we  have  come  to  inscribe  upon  the  rolls  of  the 
vast  young  empire  beneath  us  all  that  men  have  fought 
for,  prayed  for,  hoped  for.  We  come  to  clear  away  the 
brushwood  that  we  may  build  chambers  for  our  treasure 
more  precious  than  Syrian  rubies,  more  potent  than  the 
Macedonian  Sceptre,  and  we  open  up  the  tree  tops  that 
the  light  of  Heaven  may  shine  upon  them;  we  come  with 
the  richest  treasures  gathered  through  all  time  all  over 
the  earth,  and  laying  them  here  at  the  feet  of  our  country- 
men, we  bid  them  take,  for  every  jewel  which  is  taken, 
like  early  gathered  fruit,  leaves  more  vigor  behind,  every 
torch  which  is  lighted,  like  the  crystal,  flashes  its  flame 
back  to  its  source. 

"If,  my  friends,  you  have  gone  with  me  thus  far,  I 
need  add  nothing  as  to  the  specific  scheme  of  culture 
to  be  adopted  at  the  University  of  the  South.  I  need 
only  point  to  these  men  to  tell  you  what  is  to  be  the 
cornerstone  of  that  culture. 

"In  our  country,  and  it  is  one  of  its  holiest  blessingsr 
the  shades  of  Protestant  sectarianism  are  scarcely  dis- 
cernible in  the  affairs  of  life.  We  all  came  to  this  new 
earth  that  we  might  worship  God  according  to  our  own 
consciences,  and  to  be  free  and  equal  before  God  and 
man.  That  all,  of  all  names,  shades  and  creeds  of 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Christians  might  be  thus,  we  mingled  our  life  blood  on  a 
hundred  battle  fields  until  we  drove  mankind  to  acknowl- 
edge our  claim.  From  that  blood  thus  mingled  there 
sprung  a  spirit  which  makes  all  one  in  the  solemn 
purposes  of  life  for  now  and  forever.  With  this  origin 
and  with  this  communion  I  point  again  to  our  history 
and  to  these  men  and  say:  Can  they,  dare  they,  place 
here  another  cornerstone  than  this., the ^ChriBti an  Bible? 
Conscience  and  duty  are  our  substitutes  for  prerogatives 
and  power,  and  we  can  found  no  institution  save  on  the 
basis  of  conscience  and  duty.  Here  is  our  conscience, 
here  is  our  duty,  and,  therefore,  here  is  the  cornerstone 
of  the  University  of  the  South.  This  Christian  Bible 
(increased  and  prolonged  applause),  were  it  not  only  the 
cornerstone,  but  the  arch,  the  wall,  the  roof,  the  spire, 
the  gilding,  the  all,  it  would  be  enough.  Does  the  proud 
knowledge  of  Greece  arise  near  to  this  eternal  wisdom 
which  was  thundered  from  Sinai?  Does  Homer's  verse 
reach  the  resounding  harmony  of  David's  harp?  Does 
Plato's  sweetest  reasoning  drop  upon  the  human  soul 
with  the  divine  influence  of  Paul's  holy  teaching?  All 
statesmanship,  philosophy  and  science  might  be  taught 
from  its  sacred  pages.  Here  then  can  we  place  the 
universal  truth,  the  cornerstone  of  all  knowledge. 

"Now,  fellow  citizens  in  this  Republic,  all  power  is 
with  the  people,  there  is  no  class  set  apart  to  be  instructed 
to  rule  the  rest — all  are  to  govern.  All  therefore  must 
be  taught  to  govern,  education  must  be  given  to  all. 
Unless  we  are  taught  to  use  them  in  the  right  way  our 
civil  and  religious  liberties  are  worthless  and  dangerous 
boons.  Liberal  knowledge  is  a  dangerous  precedent  to 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  49 

the  preservation  of  those  liberties.  Admit  this,  and  there 
cannot  be  a  higher  or  holier  purpose  than  to  furnish 
instruction  to  our  people,  'to  teach  the  people  their  duty 
is  better  than  expelling  the  Trojans/  Most  deeply  and 
profoundly  impressed  with  this  sacred  impulse,  these 
learned  and  good  and  wise  men  have  traversed  and 
searched  all  recorded  modes  and  matter  of  instruction, 
and  have  garnered  up  the  enlightened  experience  of  all 
countries.  They  come  here  now  to  plant  the  seeds  which, 
with  the  sweat  and  prayers  of  earnestness,  they  have 
collected.  How  easy  for  us  to  believe  whence  these  seeds 
will  be  watered,  they  will  tell  you  of  all  the  rich  harvests 
which  pious  hope  is  promising. 

"It  is  not  my  vocation  to  detail  to  you  the  great  plan 
of  instruction  which  is  to  be  initiated  today.  This  will 
be  done  by  those  who  are  the  honored  representatives  of 
the  principles  I  have  announced,  and  who  have  this  day 
come  here  to  institutionize  these  principles.  The  agencies 
of  genius,  learning,  and  exalted  piety,  are  concentrated 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  purifying,  strengthening,  and  pre- 
serving the  people  of  this  land,  by  giving  action  and  use 
to  these  principles.  This  then  is  the  purpose  of  the 
University  of  the  South.  Our  dealing  now  is  with  its 
destiny. 

"What  is  that?  Turn  your  eyes  to  the  feeble  current, 
listen  to  the  almost  inaudible  murmur  of  these  little 
rivulets  as  they  trickle  out  of  the  mountain  side,  and 
behold  the  swelling  volume  bearing  on  its  heaving  bosom 
the  wealth  of  an  empire,  and  fertilizing  its  coasts  with  all 
that  genius,  the  taste,  the  piety  of  all  times,  have  earned 
for  the  administration  and  joy  of  man.  Listen  to  the 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE 

roar  of  human  industry — listen  to  the  sweet  symphonies 
of  hunmn  prayer,  and  then  turn  again  to  this  rising 
temple — behold  the  light — listen  to  the  voices  which  will 
perpetuate  and  sanctify  all  this.  Prophetic  fury  cowers 
before  the  majestic  picture,  and  anxious  hope  dares  only 
to  ask,  whence  comes  it?  It  comes  of  that  mysterious, 
that  immortal  spirit  which  has  borne  us  along  the  deep 
forest  whence  the  Druid  fled  before  the  apostles,  even  to 
the  mountain  plain  which  overlooks  an  empire  on  which 
the  wearied  sun  reposes  his  day-worn  light.  It  is  the 
unchangeable,  the  irresistible,  the  unwearied,  the  sacred 
genius  of  Christian  liberty.  The  forms,  the  deep  con- 
victions, the  very  life  of  ages,  dissolve  like  fading  dreams. 
The  paths  of  human  energy,  worn  deepest  by  the  proudest 
civilization,  are  leveled,  overgrown,  hidden,  lost.  Time 
itself  is  but  the  graduated  scale  to  mar  the  continuous 
universal  change;  the  earth  beneath  us,  with  its  forests 
and  mountains  and  seas,  is  hourly  changing;  the  firma- 
ment around  us  dawns,  glows  and  pales  with  change; 
the  heavens  over  us,  with  all  their  thronging  world  of 
soaring  fires,  change;  all  is  change;  no  stars,  no  mountain, 
nor  wave,  nor  radiance  is  the  same  today  and  tomorrow. 
It  is  the  sun  of  Christian  liberty  alone  which  knows  no 
change  but  onward  and  upward,  even  now  to  its  brightest 
meridian,  and  we  are  bathing  in  its  eternal  beams,  and 
see  how  it  may  be  for  us  when  the  true  knowledge  and 
elevated  art  shall  dwell  in  these  pleasant  places,  and 
sweet  religion  in  her  Angel  robes  shall  sit  upon  these 
rising  spires  and  catching  her  rays  from  God's  own 
effluence,  shed  them  over  all  the  four  rivers  of  this  new 
Eden  of  ours.  The  design  of  this  University  is  to  form  a 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  51 

standard  of  learning  so  exalted  as  to  develop  the  highest 
intellectual  faculties  of  man,  and  to  make  this  develop- 
ment subsiduary  to  his  moral  and  material  advancement. 
It  is  intended  by  the  highest — the  very  highest  specula- 
tive evolutions — to  make  the  people  of  this  region  of 
America  consistently,  firmly  and  irresistibly  progressive 
in  the  great  purposes  for  which  God,  in  his  economy, 
has  intended  man.  In  a  word,  it  is  meant  for  the 
thorough  culture  of  the  heart  and  mind  of  the  people, 
that  thereby  the  mind  may  be  expanded  and  enriched, 
and  the  heart  made  to  comprehend,  to  regulate  and  to 
apply  the  vast  duties  which  pertain  to  the  citizens  of  the 
slave-holding  States  and  the  Christian.  All  that  the 
energies ~of  the i  most  devoted  piety,  guided  by  the  widest 
knowledge  and  most  persevering  labor  can  avouch,  is 
brought  here  to  that  end;  and  the  most  liberal  bounty, 
the  most  magnificent  benevolence  that  ever  illustrated 
a  people's  virtue,  have  added  large  stores  of  material 
treasure.  Now,  my  countrymen,  under  God  we  owe  this, 
first  to  the  spirit  I  have  endeavored  to  elucidate,  and 
then  to  the  earnest  enlightened  devotion  of  this  noble 
band  of  holy  men.  They  have  given  their  gifts  to  this 
enterprise  of  Christian  patriotism.  I  cannot  praise 
them  with  fulsome  eulogy,  I  cannot  discriminate  their 
work,  but  you  and  the  world  will  feel  that  I  am  not 
much  to  blame  if  I  turn  to  you,  Reverend  Sir  (addressing 
Bishop  Polk),  and  say,  as  the  Roman  historian  said  of 
Alexander's  conquest  of  East,  'He  took  courage  to  despise 
vain  apprehensions,'  and,  further,  that  when  it  pleases 
God,  your  Master,  to  stay  your  radiant  and  strong 
right  arm  from  his  battlefields  on  earth,  and  call  you 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  share  His  everlasting  triumph,  the  Heavens  and  our 
grateful  country  will  read  on  your  gravestone,  'The 
founder  of  the  University  of  the  South/  And  to  all  of  you. 
Reverend  Fathers,  in  the  name  of  our  common  country 
and  of  our  posterity,  I  may  use  the  language  of  the 
wisest  statesman  and  purest  patriot  of  Rome,  apostrophiz- 
ing the  greatest,  wisest  teacher — save  one — vouchsafed  to 
man : 

"  'Socrates,  et  socratici  viril! 
'Nunquam  vobis  gratiam 
'Referam.' 

"And  again  I  may  hail  you,  venerable  Fathers  of  our 
beloved  church,  in  the  triumphant  cry  of  one  whose 
successors  you  are  in  your  holy  office,  and  brave  and 
meek  and  holy  as  He  was,  whose  equal  you  would  be  if 
liberty  and  religion  demanded  the  trial,  'Be  of  good 
comforts,  we  shall  this  day  light  such  a  candle  by  God's 
grace  as,  I  trust,  never  shall  be  put  out.'  " 

After  the  closing  prayers  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green, 
bishop  of  Mississippi,  and  the  singing  of  the  Gloria  in 
Excelsis,  a  benediction  was  pronounced,  and  the  invited 
guests  proceeded  to  partake  of  a  collation  which  had 
been  prepared  under  a  large  dining  shelter  built  for  the 
purpose.  Seven  rows  of  tables  were  spread  the  entire 
length  of  the  building,  and  another  on  a  raised  platform 
at  one  end  for  the  bishops  (those  who  were  to  make 

NOTE: — It  is  somewhat  remarkable  that  Colonel  Preston  on 
this  occasion,  in  a  time  of  profound  peace,  addressing  a  bishop 
of  the  church,  should  in  this  expression,  "that  when  it  pleases 
God,  your  Master,  to  stay  your  radiant  and  strong  right  arm  from 
His  battlefields  on  earth,"  unconsciously  have  forshadowed  the 
death  of  Bishop  Polk  on  the  battlefield  of  Pine  Mountain. 


I 


§• 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  53 

addresses)  and  the  ladies.  Over  three  hundred  persons 
were  comfortably  seated  and  a  bountiful  and  abundant 
repast  graced  the  "groaning  boards." 

It  had  been  appropriately  arranged  that  some  of  the 
distinguished  guests  should  be  called  on  for  postprandial 
speeches.  Bishop  Otey  first  called  upon  a  world-known 
scientist,  with  the  following  prefatory  introduction : 

"I  feel  peculiar  pleasure  in  introducing  to  you  a  dis- 
tinguished fellow-citizen  whose  labors  in  the  cause  of 
science  have  crowned  his  name  with  honor  throughout 
the  world,  and  made  him  in  a  measure  the  property  of 
nations.  The  winds  of  Heaven  and  the  waves  of  the 
sea  have,  by  his  researches  and  discoveries,  been  made 
tributary  to  the  increase  of  the  facilities  of  trade  of 
every  land  and  on  every  sea  where  commerce  spreads 
her  sail.  I  announce  to  you  the  name  of  my  friend, 
Commander  Matthew  F.  Maury,  of  Washington  City." 

Commander  Maury  commenced  by  referring  to  Bishop 
Otey  as  his  old  preceptor  and  early  friend,  he  having  been 
in  his  youth  a  pupil  of  the  Bishop  at  Franklin,  Tenn. 
He  proceeded  in  a  most  interesting  vein  to  speak  of  the 
various  aspects  in  which  the  study  of  physical  geography 
affects  the  well-being  of  mankind  and  promotes  the 
harmony  of  the  universe. 

"Had  I  time,"  said  the  speaker  in  conclusion,  "I  might 
show  how  mountains,  deserts,  winds  and  water,  when 
treated  by  this  beautiful  science,  all  join  in  one  universal 
harmony — for  each  one  has  its  part  to  perform  in  the 
great  concert  of  nature." 

"The  church,  ere  yet  physical  geography  had  attained 
the  dignity  of  a  science  in  our  schools,  and  even  before 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE 

man  had  endowed  it  with  a  name,  saw  and  appreciated 
its  dignity,  the  virtue  of  its  chief  agent.  What  have  we 
heard  chanted  here  in  this  grove  by  a  thousand  voices 
this  morning?  A  song  of  praise  such  as  these  hills  have 
not  heard  since  the  morning  stars  sang  together — the  bene- 
dicite  of  our  mother  church,  invoking  the  very  agent  whose 
workings  and  offerings  is  the  business  of  the  physical 
geographer.  In  our  services  she  teaches  her  children  in 
her  songs  of  praise  to  call  upon  certain  physical  agents, 
principals  in  this  newly  established  department  of  human 
knowledge,  upon  the  waters  above  the  firmament,  upon 
showers  and  dew,  wind,  fire  and  heat,  winter  and  summer, 
frost  and  cqld,  ice  and  snow,  night  and  day,  light  and 
darkness^  lightning  and  clouds,  mountains  and  hills, 
green  things,  trees  and  plants,  whales  and  all  things  that 
move  in  the  waters,  fowls  of  the  air,  with  beasts  and 
cattle,  to  bless,  praise  and  magnify  the  Lord.  To  reveal 
to  man  the  offices  of  these  agents,  in  making  the  earth 
his  fit  dwelling  place,  is  the  object  of  physical  geography. 
Said  I  not  well  of  all  the  sciences,  physical  geography  is 
the  most  christianizing  in  its  influence." 

Bishop  Ote3r  next  introduced  Eev.  F.  P.  A.  Barnard, 
then  president  of  the  University  of  Mississippi,  q,nd  sub- 
sequently president  (until  his  death)  of  Columbia  College. 
President  Barnard,  as  one  whose  life  had  been  devoted 
to  the  cause  of  education  in  the  Southern  States, 
expressed  the  gratification  afforded  him  in  being  present 
to  offer  his  congratulations  upon  the  great  event  they 
had  met  to  inaugurate.  He  said  he  understood  "the  design 
of  the  projectors  of  the  University  was  to  erect  here  a 
school  of  learning,  to  which  not  merely  youth,  but  men, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  55 

may  resort,  and  in  which  not  merely  the  rudiments  of 
knowledge  shall  be  taught,  but  every  branch  of  letters 
and  science  might  be  pursued  throughout  all  its  ramifica- 
tions, and  aids  may  be  furnished  for  the  independent 
research  and  original  investigation  by  which  the 
boundaries  of  t;he  field  of  knowledge  may  be  carried  for- 
ward into  the  region  of  the  still  unknown.  This  being, 
as  I  understand  it,  the  design  of  this  proposed  institu- 
tion— a  design  from  which  I  trust  its  projectors  and 
patrons  will  not  swerve  or  shrink  back  a  single  hair's 
breadth — as  an  educator,  I  look  upon  it  with  feelings  of 
intensest  interest,  for  the  influence  which  it  is  destined 
inevitably  to  exert  upon  our  whole  educational  system. 
It  is  impossible  that  a  higher  order  of  intellectual 
culture  be  introduced  among  us  without  improving  the 
thoroughness  and  elevating  the  tone  of  teaching  in  all 
our  schools  of  whatever  grade."  Some  criticism  upon 
the  plans  of  the  institution  as  an  attempt  to  improvise 
a  great  University  had  been  made,  and  speaking  to  this 
point  President  Barnard  said,  "One  peculiarity  I  have 
further  to  notice.  It  is  proposed  here  to  create  a 
university,  not  through  the  slow  growth  of  years,  but 
immediately  and  at  once.  The  scheme  has  been  sub- 
stantially perfected,  the  means  for  the  most  part  secured, 
and  it  is  now  proposed  that  the  realization  shall  be  as 
sudden  as  the  birth  of  Minerva,  full-armed  from  the  head 
of  Jupiter.  It  is  curiously  in  keeping  with  the  character 
of  your  people  of  the  race  to  which  we  belong,  and  the 
history  of  the  continent  we  inhabit,  that  we  should  impro- 
vise a  university  complete  in  all  its  appliances  and  all  the 
instrumentalities  for  the  fulfillment  of  its  comprehensive 


56  HISTORY    OF    THE 

functions.  And  why  should  we  not  improvise  a  univer- 
sity? We  improvise  towns,  we  improvise  great  cities,  we 
improvise  even  sovereign  states  which  spring  up  like 
magic  in  the  heart  of  the  wilderness,  and  with  a  sudden- 
ness almost  startling  present  themselves  in  the  halls 
of  our  federal  legislature,  demanding  admission  to  the 
Union.  To  improvise  a  university  is  not  much  greater, 
yet  the  great  universities  of  Europe  have  been  the  growth 
of  centuries.  Ought  not  ours  to  grow  up  to  greatness 
by  a  similarly  tardy  progress?  I  think  not.  The  slow 
growth  of  those  venerable  institutions  of  the  Old  World 
was  a  necessity  arising  out  of  causes  which  have  for 
the  most  part  disappeared.  When  Alfred  founded  the 
University  of  Oxford,  when  William,  of  Champeaux, 
opened  his  lecture  halls  in  Paris,  there  was  the  classical 
learning  of  Greece  and  Rome,  there  was  the  philosophy 
of  Aristotle,  there  were  the  mathematics  of  Euclid  and 
Apallonius  and  a  few  more;  but,  besides  these  things, 
what  did  the  field  of  human  knowledge  embrace?  The 
literature  and  sciences  wThich  have  sprung  up  since  the 
revival  of  letters,  and  the  invention  of  the  art  of 
printing,  were  without  existence.  Books  were  few  and, 
of  necessity,  so  long  as  they  could  only  be  multiplied 
by  the  slow  labor  of  the  pen,  costly  and  difficult  of  attain- 
ment. Collections  in  natural  history,  in  physical  science, 
in  agriculture  and  other  subjects  now  so  beautifully 
illustrated,  in  many  places  were  unknown.  But  in  this 
day  all  these  instrumentalities  for  aiding  the  learner 
and  investigator  may  be  secured  without  waiting  for 
them  to  form  themselves  by  the  slow  accretions  of  cen- 
turies. Thus  then,  though  it  is  a  great  thing  to  improvise 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  57 

an  institution  as  is  proposed  to  make  this  University, 
yet  it  is  certainly  a  very  possible  thing.  I  see  no  reason 
why  this  University  may  not,  at  no  distant  day  rival 
the  renown  of  the  most  distinguished  of  its  class  in 
the  Old  World.  Nay,  having  gathered  here,  as  it  must, 
all  the  helps  to  study  and  investigation  as  well  as  the 
instrumentalities  for  the  teaching  which  the  world  can 
supply,  and  attracting  to  this  spot,  as  it  cannot  fail  to  do, 
the  most  eminent  talent  in  every  walk  of  letters  and 
science  which  the  country  affords,  I  deem  it  no  ebullition 
of  a  visionary  enthusiasm  to  predict?  that  the  time  will 
come  when  the  glories  which  have  clustered  in  other 
times  around  Wittenberg  and  Gotingen  and  Heidelberg 
and  Padua  and  Bologna  and  Paris  and  Rotterdam  and 
Oxford  and  Cambridge  will  be  more  than  equalled  by 
the  lustre  which  shall  surround  and  radiate  from  the 
University  of  the  South." 

Gen.  John  M.  Bright,  M.  C.,  of  Tennessee,  was  the 
next  speaker,  and  ably  discussed  the  growing  importance 
of  agriculture  as  a  science  and  commended  the  wisdom 
of  the  projectors  of  the  University  in  giving  so  large  a 
place  to  this  important  department. 


NOTE: — At  that  time  no  great  educational  institution  had 
been  improvised,  but  since  then  we  have  had  Cornell  University, 
Lehigh  University,  Johns  Hopkins  University,  Chicago  University, 
Stanford  University  founded  by  millionaires  and  endowments 
upon  the  very  largest  scale  of  expenditure  in  buildings  and 
endowments,  while  Yale  and  Harvard,  Princeton  and  the  Univer- 
sity of  Pennsylvania,  with  the  aid  of  very  large  gifts  and  special 
foundations,  have  expanded  from  colleges  into  universities  on  a. 
very  large  and  comprehensive  scale. 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  last  speaker  was  the  very  venerable,  Rt.  Rev. 
Benjamin  Bosworth  Smith  of  Kentucky  who  briefly 
referred  to  the  great  educational  impulse  which  had 
brought  about  this  event  and  the  conservative  value  of 
Christian  education  in  preserving  the  institutions  of  our 
country.  Other  speakers  were  on  the  programme,  but 
the  shades  of  night  began  to  steal  in  and  as  there  were 
no  means  of  lighting  the  vast  dining  hall,  the  exercises 
were  brought  to  a  conclusion.  It  had  been  a  most 
beautiful,  bright  and  cheerful  day,  and  a  great  wave  of 
enthusiasm  had  touched  all  hearts  and  permeated  the 
great  assemblage.  It  was  felt  that  a  great  event  had 
been  celebrated  in  a  most  admirable  manner,  which 
presaged  a  bright  and  glorious  future  for  the  University. 


Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  QUINTARD,  D.  D. 

First  Vice  Chancellor,  Second  Bishop  of  Tennes 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  59 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Tribute  to  Bishops  Polk,  Otey  and  Elliott — Events  subsequent  to 
the  laying  of  the  cornerstone — The  secession  of  the  Con- 
federate States — The  call  for  a  convention  of  the  Southern 
ing  of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  in  October, 
1861. 

1861-1865. 

WITH  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone,  the  securing  of 
nearly  half  a  million  of  dollars  for  endowment,  the 
obtaining  title  to  ten  thousand  acres  for  its  princely 
domain,  with  a  charter  liberal  in  its  provisions,  with  the 
support  of  the  bishops  of  ten  dioceses  and  their  clergy 
and  laity,  the  founders  of  the  University  might  well  feel 
that  their  work  was  well-nigh  accomplished. 

Alas,  even  then  a  dark  cloud  lay  upon  the  political 
horizon,  menacing  the  peace,  happiness  and  prosperity 
of  our  land,  a  cloud  which  was  soon  to  burst,  overwhelm 
our  Southern  dioceses,  overturn  our  institutions,  destroy, 
burn,  ravage  and  sweep  out  of  existence  nearly  all  our 
personalty  and  render,  for  some  time  at  least,  almost 
valueless  our  realty. 

Bishop  Freeman  of  Arkansas  had  died  in  1858.  Within 
the  ensuing  four  years  after  the  laying  of  the  corner- 
stone, Bishops  Cobbs,  Otey  and  Polk  passed  away.  The 
cornerstone,  laid  with  such  fond  hopes,  had  been 
broken  into  fragments  and  its  contents  scattered  beyond 
recovery,  our  humble  buildings  were  in  ashes,  and  the 
splendid  endowment,  secured  with  such  toil  and  effort, 
had  vanished.  Otey,  the  noble,  great-minded  chancellor, 


60  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  Polk,  the  moving  spirit  of  the  enterprise,  were  in 
their  graves,  and  the  University  and  its  grand  ideal 
seemed  to  have  left  behind  only  a  sweet  memory  of  a  great 
name.  Thus  closed  the  initial  of  this  great  enterprise. 
Man's  work  had  passed  away,  but  God's  work,  the 
eternal  hills,  grand  forests,  cool  springs,  gentle  breezes 
and  genial  climate,  remained  as  foundations,  perchance, 
for  its-  resurrection ;  for  to  some  there  ever  remained  the 
faith  to  believe  "that  a  great  thought  never  dies." 

It  seems  proper  here  for  one  who  was  their  con- 
temporary, and  who*  knew  them  well,  to  say  a  few  words 
of  the  grand  trio,  Polk,  Otey  and  Elliott,  who  stand  out 
most  prominently  in  the  work  of  founding  the  University. 

Leonidas  Polk,  first  missionary  bishop  of  Arkansas 
and  first  bishop  of  Louisiana,  comes  naturally  to  be  first 
spoken  of. 

The  portrait  in  St.  Lukes  Oratory,  here  reproduced,  is 
an  excellent  representation  of  his  form  and  features. 
Erect  and  soldierly  in  his  bearing,  there  was  a  clear-cut, 
firm  expression  of  the  countenance  which  marked  him 
as  a  leader  among  men,  a  force  of  character  which  was 
at  once  felt  and  recognized,  a  certain  power  which  enabled 
him!  to  carry  others  along  with  him,  not  by  any  use  of 
rhetoric,  or  art  of  persuasion,  but  by  a  conviction  that 
there  was  no  other  course  open  but  assent  to  his  premises 
and  consent  to  the  performance  of  the  duty  involved  in 
his  conclusions.  It  was  the  very  breadth  and  largeness 
of  his  plans,  the  grandeur  of  the  proposed  University,  the 
scale  upon  which  it  was  to  be  carried  out,  made  men  feel 
that  it  was  not  tens  or  hundreds,  but  thousands,  that 
were  needed  to  be  given.  So  far  as  I  know,  he  never 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  61 

asked  for  or  took  up  a  collection  for  the  University. 
How  lie  regarded  the  methods  of  work  may  be  inferred 
from  a  report  made  to  the  board  in  1859,  in  which  he 
says  that  the  commissioners  had  devoted  two  or  three 
months  to  the  work  in  Louisiana,  and  did  not  exhaust 
that  field  (f 264.000  was  reported  from  Louisiana  in 
1860),  that  the  sums  required  for  the  commencement  of 
operations  could  easily  have  been  gotten  by  skimming 
the  surface  of  the  associated  dioceses,  yet  the  large 
endowment  they  proposed  to  raise  required  a  careful 
'Canvass  of  each  particular  diocese.  Such  was  the  mian 
and  such  were  his  views,  and  he  had  the  inestimable 
power  of  impressing  his  views  upon  others.  The  sub- 
scriptions in  Louisiana  were  mostly  from  |5,000  to 
$10,000  each.  He  aimed  to  raise  not  less  than  an  endow- 
ment of  $3,000,000.  Bishop  Otey  had  the  intellectual 
power,  the  mental  grasp  of  the  subject,  but  Bishop  Polk 
had  not  only  the  clear  conception  of  the  work,  but  the 
knowledge  of  human  nature,  the  will  power  and  patient 
and  well-ordered  enthusiasm,  allied  with  prudence,  to 
know  how  to  reach  the  heart,  the  understanding  and  the 
coffers  of  the  people.  Personally  tall,  erect  and  leader- 
like,  rapid  but  clear  in  thought  and  expression,  chivalric 
and  high-toned,  he  possessed  a  magnetic  power  of 
influence,  he  had  a  combination  of  great  qualities  which 
fitted  him  for  a  great  work.  He  perished  at  Pine 
Mountain,  Ga.,  June  14th,  1864,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five. 
Bishop  Otey  was  a  grand  man  among  men,  of  command- 
ing stature,  large  boned,  broad  chested,  a  sturdy  framfe 
surmounted  by  a  noble  head  and  manly  countenance, 
with  piercing  eyes  and  an  impressive  and  dignified 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE 

manner,  he  was  at  once  recognized  as  one  of  the  great 
fathers  of  the  church.  Simple  and  natural,  with  no 
mannerism,  and  with  no  apparent  consciousness  of  self, 
he  commanded  attention  and  respect  from  all  with 
whom  he  came  in  contact.  Intellectually  I  have  always 
regarded  him  as  the  foremost  man  in  the  house  of  bishops. 
He  was  a  great  preacher,  the  clearness  of  his  exposition, 
the  force  of  his  arguments,  the  power  of  his  presentation 
of  the  truth,  were  felt  by  all,  and  no  one  could  listen  to 
his  pulpit  utterance  without  a  reverent  assent  to  hi» 
conclusion.  It  has  often  seemed  to  me  that  if  this  great 
intellectual  giant  could  have  been  placed  in  one  of  the 
older  and  stronger  dioceses  his  power  and  rank  would 
have  been  universally  acknowledged,  but  his  life  was 
worn  out  in  a  scattered  and  comparatively  barren  field, 
in  a  pioneer  country,  in  journey  ings  and  exposure  of 
every  kind.  I  have  in  the  earlier  portion  of  the  sketch 
given  a  somewhat  full  statement  of  the  educational 
projects  which  he  originated,  but  failed  t;o  carry  out. 
The  ideas  he  never  relinquished,  but  he  had  no  pride  of 
leadership  or  jealousy  of  their  being  taken  up  and  carried 
on  by  another,  and,  after  the  publication  of  Bishop  Folk's 
letter  in  1856,  he  wrote  a  friend,  "I  am  glad  that  one  has 
taken  hold  of  the  subject  with  more  leisure  and  ability 
than  I  have  to  prosecute  it  to  a  happy  result."  His 
death  occurred  at  Memphis,  April  23,  1863,  at  the  age 
of  sixty-three. 

Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott,  then  bishop  of  Georgia,  was  the 
chosen  friend  and  colleague  of  Bishop  Polk  in  this  work,  a 
noble  coadjutor.  It  is  difficult  to  give  an  adequate  concep- 
tion of  Bishop  Elliott.  One  who  knew  him  well  thus  de<- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  63 

scribes  him.  "Long  of  limb  and  tall  of  stature,  with  a  full 
and  vigorous  frame  thoroughly  yet  easily  erect,  with  a  full, 
high  brow,  finely  chiseled  features  and  lofty  chest,  with 
soft  beaming  blue  eyes  and  a  complexion  fair  and  fresh 
without  being  ruddy >  exquisitely  graceful  in  his  carriage 
and  quiet  and  easy  in  his  movements,  with  his  thin,  dark 
hair  floating  lightly  around  his  head.  His  was  a  figure, 
as  he  passed  along  the  crowded  thoroughfare,  upon  which 
men  turned  to  gaze,  and  the  eyes  of  women  rested  with 
tenderness  and  veneration." 

There  was,  indeed,  a  peculiar  charm  about  him  which 
was  indescribable.  A  friend  of  mine  from  Georgia  who 
was  very  proud  of  his  State,  used  to  speak  of  Bishop 
Elliott  as  being  "the  first  gentleman  in  Georgia,"  He  was 
a  rare  man,  a  scholar,  a  chivalrous  gentleman,  a  noble 
bishop  of  the  church,  a  devoted  and  faithful  friend.  He 
died  on  the  21st  of  December,  I860,  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
six.  So  that  all  three  of  these  noble  men  were  called 
away  within  three  years.  A  noble  trio  worthy  to  be 
commemorated  by  fhe  painter's  pencil  and  sculptor's 
chisel  in  the  great  central  hall  of  the  University  to  be 
built. 

The  cornerstone  had  been  laid  in  October,  1861, 
during  the  calm  which  preceded  the  hurricane.  The 
presidential  election  followed  in  a  few  weeks  and  at 
once  the  elements  of  discord  between  the  states  began  to 
appear.  Men's  minds  were  excited  to  a  high  pitch  by 
the  discussion  which  followed  the  presidential  election, 
as  to  the  effect  of  the  complete  triumph  of  what  was 
regarded  at  the  South  as  an  anti-slavery  and  Northern 
sectional  political  organization,  inimical  to  the  South, 


64  HISTORY    OF    THE 

her  institutions  and  rights.  The  public  mind  was  greatly 
excited;  public  meetings  were  called  to  consider  the 
situation;  the  bolder  spirits  counseled  immediate  action, 
defensive  measures  were  recommended;  a  withdrawal 
from  the  Union  was  now  openly  discussed,  and  by  many 
regarded  as  the  only  solution  of  the  dangers  which 
menaced  the  Slave  States.  State  conventions  were  held, 
and  on  December  20th,  1860,  South  Carolina  led  off 
towards  withdrawal  by  the  passage  of  an  ordinance  of 
sesession  and  repudiation  of  the  authority  of  the  federal 
government.  Other  states  followed  in  rapid  succession. 
On  the  eighth  of  February,  1861,  a  provisional  government 
for  the  Confederate  States  was  established  at  Montgom- 
ery, and  on  the  eleventh  of  March,  1861,  the  constitution 
of  the  Confederate  States  was  adopted.  All  the  dioceses 
connected  with  the  University,  except  Tennessee,  had 
thus  come  under  the  government  of  the  Confederate 
States,  and  it  became  necessary  to  make  some  arrange- 
ment by  which  the  church  in  these  dioceses  could  preserve 
an  organization. 

On  the  23d  of  March,  1861,  Bishops  Polk  and  Elliott 
issued  from  University  Place,  as  Sewanee  was  then  called, 
a  circular  letter  addressed  to  the  bishops  of  the  several 
dioceses'  in  the  Confederate  States,  in  which  they 
suggested  that  the  course  of  events  seemed  to  require  an 
•early  consultation  among  the  dioceses  of  the  Confederate 
States  for  the  purpose  of  considering  their  relation  to  the 
Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United  States,  of 
which  they  had  been  so  long  the  equal  and  happy 
members.  They  said  "this  necessity  does  not  arise  out  of 
.any  dissension  which  has  occurred  within  the  church 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  65 

itself,  nor  out  of  any  dissatisfaction  with  either  the 
doctrine  or  discipline  of  the  church.  We  rejoice  to- 
record  the  fact  that  we  are  today,  as  churchmen,  as 
truly  brethren  as  we  have  ever  been;  and  that  no  deed 
has  been  done  nor  word  utftered  that  leaves  a  single 
wound  rankling  in  our  hearts.  We  are  still  one  in  faith, 
in  purpose  and  in  hope,  but  political  changes  forced  upon 
us  by  a  stern  necessity,  have  occurred  which  have  placed 
our  dioceses  in  a  position  requiring  consultation  as  to 
our  ecclesiastical  relations."  They  therefore  proposed 
that  the  several  bishops  should  recommend  to  their 
diocesan  conventions  the  appointment  of  clerical  and  lay 
deputies  to  a  convention  to  be  held  at  Montgomery,  Ala., 
on  the  3d  day  of  July,  1861.  This  convention  was  held 
on  the  3d  of  July  and  subsequent  days  and,  after  a 
full  consideration  of  the  manner  of  organization  and 
the  passage  of  resolutions  looking  to  such  complete 
autonomy,  provided  for  a  meeting  of  deputies,  chosen  by 
the  diocesan  convention,  to  meet  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  on 
the  third  Wednesday  of  October,  1861,  for  the  purpose 
of  a  complete  organization  of  the  Southern  dioceses  in 
a  general  convention. 

Bishop  Otey,  as  chancellor  of  the  University,  availed 
himself  of  the  meeting  of  the  convention  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  University  of  the 
South  to  be  held  at  Columbia  on  October  14th,  1861,  to 
take  into  consideration  such  matters  as  might  affect  the 
University  in  the  condition  of  affairs.  Bishop  Polk, 
under  the  urgent  solicitation  of  the  president  of  the 
Confederacy,  had  reluctantly  accepted  a  commission  as 
major-general  in  the  Confederate  army  and  was  then  in: 


66  HISTORY    OF    THE 

the  field.  Bishop  Cobbs  of  Alabama  had  died  on  the 
llth  of  January,  1861.  On  the  day  appointed  a  number 
of  the  trustees  assembled  at  the  rectory  of  Trinity  Church 
in  the  city  of  Columbia,  S.  C.  Of  the  bishops  there  were 
present  Bishops  Otey,  Elliott,  Green,  Davis  and  Rutledge, 
with  clerical  and  lay  trustees  from  several  dioceses. 
A  quorum  not  being  present  the  meeting  was  adjourned 
until  the  next  day,  when  Bishops  Atkinson,  Gregg  and 
Lay  arrived,  and  others  sufficient  to  make  a  quorum. 
What  the  future  had  in  store  for  the  church  and  State 
no  man  knew,  but  the  board  proceeded  in  its  regular 
order  of  business,  rules  of  order  were  discussed  and 
adopted.  The  committee  on  finance  made  a  report;  a 
committee  reported  in  reference  to  the  death  of  Bishop 
Cobbs  of  Alabama,  who  had  died  since  the  last  meeting 
of  the  board.  Bishop  Elliott  of  Georgia,  one  of  the 
commissioners  on  endowment,  made  a  report  as  follows: 
"The  commissioners,  as  soon  after  the  adjournment  of 
the  board  as  practicable,  took  advice  from  some  of  the 
most  experienced  lay  trustees  as  to  the  practicability 
of  continuing  their  mission.  The  unanimous  opinion 
of  these  gentlemen  was  that  nothing  could  be  effected 
in  the  way  of  collection  in  the  uncertain  and  distracted 
condition  of  the  country,  especially  while  the  position  of 
Tennessee  was  undecided.  Their  advice  was  to  place 
everything  in  connection  with  the  University  in  as  snug 
a  condition  as  possible  and  wait  events.  In  pursuance 
of  the  instructions  of  the  board,  the  commissioners 
proceeded  as  rapidly  as  incoming  revenue  would  permit 
to  liquidate  the  outstanding  claims  upon  the  University 
and  to  put  a  stop  to  all  expenditures.  They  were  engaged 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  67 

in  this  work  when  they  were  separated  by  secession.  Fire 
and  war  and  circumstances  have  entirely  prevented  their 
meeting  since  the  secession  of  Tennessee,  North  Carolina 
and  Arkansas  have  reunited  our  dioceses.  It  was  useless 
to  prosecute  any  work  so  long  as  Tennessee  remained 
in  the  old  Union,  and  she  did  not  determine  her  status 
until  June  last  (May  3d,  1861),  when  the  country  was 
in  the  confusion  of  war  and  every  collegian  was  defend- 
ing his  home  and  fireside.  Nothing  has  been  done  to 
advance  the  University.  Your  commissioner  trusts  that 
the  time  may  soon  come  when  the  board  may  resume  its 
active  operations  and  consummate  the  great  work  which 
has  been  so  nobly  begun."  Bishop  Elliott  thereupon 
resigned  his  position  as  commissioner  of  endowment. 

A  resolution  was  passed  in  reference  to  the  plan 
suggested  by  Mr.  Thomas  W.  Adams,  looking  to  the 
erection  of  a  collegiate  building  by  the  citizens  of 
Louisiana,  and  giving  the  assent  of  the  board  thereto. 
Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks  was  appointed  a  committee  of  one 
to  make  all  necessary  arrangements  with  the  Sewanee 
Mining  Company  in  reference  to  titles  of  lands,  etc. 

The  chancellor  was  requested  to  make,  in  the  absence 
of  the  engineer  in  charge,  Col.  C.  B.  Barney,  such 
arrangements  as  he  might  deem  best  to  preserve  the 
grounds,  buildings,  papers  and  other  property  of  the 
University,  and  to  place  some  proper  person  in  charge  of 
the  same.  The  executive  committee  was  authorized  to 
arrange  the  reservation  required  for  the  University  and 
around  the  springs  and  to  lay  out  public  grounds, 
avenues,  streets,  etc.  The  size  and  shape  of  the  lots  and 
the  terms  and  conditions  and  mode  of  leasing  thereof 


<6S  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  be  determined  by  the  executive  committee,  who  were 
given  full  discretionary  powers  in  reference  thereto. 
Bishops  Otey  and  Polk,  Rev.  Dr.  Pise,  Messrs.  G.  B. 
Fairbanks,  L.  N.  Whittle  and  Daniel  Griffin  were 
appointed  an  executive  committee  until  the  next  annual 
meeting  of  the  board.  A  resolution  was  passed  that  such 
funds  as  should  be  especially  contributed  for  the  purpose 
be  applied  to  the  establishment  of  a  preparatory  school 
at  Sewanee  under  the  direction  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee. 

It  will  be  observed  that  although  neither  the  declara- 
tion of  principles,  constitution  or  statutes  made  any 
provision  for  a  preparatory  or  grammar  school  at 
Sewanee,  yet  the  board  of  trustees,  as  early  as  October, 
1861,  recognized  the  establishing  of  such  a  school  as 
desirable  and  gave  their  approval  to  the  proposal. 

Most,  if  not  all  of  the  trustees,  were  members  of  the 
church  council  of  the  Confederate  States,  then  in  session 
at  Columbia,  for  the  purpose  of  adopting  a  constitution 
and  canons  for  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
Southern  States.*  After  the  adjournment  of  the  board 
the  chancellor,  Bishop  Otey,  formally  placed  the  charge 
of  the  University  domain,  property,  papers,  etc.,  at 
Sewanee  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  a  member 
of  the  executive  committee,  who  returned  to  Sewanee 
and  remained  there  with  his  family  until  the  fall  of 
Nashville,  when  he  removed  to  Marietta,  Ga.,  and  shortly 
afterwards  entered  the  Confederate  service  with  the  rank 


*The  convention  adopted  a  constitution  and  canons  for  the 
church  in  the  Confederate  States  and  a  council  of  the  church 
was  afterwards  held  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  under  this  organization. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  69 

of  major.  Colonel  Barney,  the  engineer,  had  joined 
General  Folk's  corps  at  Columbus,  Ky.  The  shortest 
route  between  the  middle  Tennessee  valley  country  was 
from  Cowan  or  Decherd  across  the  domain  of  the 
University  to  Jasper  in  the  Sequatchie  Valley  and  thence 
on  to  Chattanooga.  After  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro 
the  Confederate  army  under  General  Bragg  fell  back  to 
Tullahoma  and,  later,  crossed  the  mountain  at  Sewanee. 
Some  skirmishing  took  place  on  the  domain  between 
the  rear  guard  of  General  Folk's  corps  and  the  advance 
of  the  Federal  army.  Subsequently  several  detachments 
of  the  Federal  army  came  to  Sewanee  and  encamped 
there  for  a  considerable  period.  The  University  houses 
and  Mr.  Fairbank's  residence  were  burned  about  this 
period  by  a  detachment  of  Federal  troops  from  Decherd. 
The  cornerstone  was  broken  up  into  fragments  and 
made  into  little  "keepsakes,"  and  its  contents  carried  off. 
During  the  remainder  of  the  Civil  War  Sewanee  was 
alternately  occupied  by  the  troops  of  the  opposing  armies, 
was  a  camping  ground  in  the  route  of  military  detach- 
ments, and  was  virtually  deserted  by  its  former  residents. 
Guerillas  and  bummers  roamed  over  the  mountain  at 
times  to  the  terror  of  families  in  the  vicinity. 


70  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  effort  for  the  resuscitation  of  the»  University  in  1865— The 
action  taken  by  the  convention  of  the  Diocese  of  Tennessee 
and  the  efforts  made  by  Bishop  Quintard  for  that  purpose — 
First  meeting  of  trustees  in  1866  at  Sewanee,  and  determina- 
tion to  resume  the  work. 

1865-1886. 

AT  the  close  of  the  war  the  writer  was  paroled  at 
Macon,  Ga.,  and  in  September,  1865,  returned  to  Ten- 
nessee. On  the  cars  between  Nashville  and  Columbia, 
Tennessee,  he  met  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  D.  D.,  rector  of  the 
Church  of  the  Advent,  Nashville,  who  had  been  a  chaplain 
during  the  war,  and  Rev.  David  Pise,  D.  D.,  rector  of 
St.  Peters  Church,  Columbia,  who  was  secretary  of  the 
board  of  trustees  and,  with  the  writer,  a  member  of  the 
executive  committee.  We  discussed  with  much  interest 
the  condition  of  the  affairs  of  the  University,  and  whether 
it  were  possible  to  revive  the  project  and  in  what  manner. 

A  special  convention  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee  had 
been  called  to  meet  in  Nashville  in  September,  1865,  at 
which  it  was  expected  that  a  bishop  would  be  elected  to 
fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  Rt.  Rev. 
J.  H.  Otey,  L.  L.,  D.  It  was  finally  agreed  upon  by 
Rev.  Dr.  Quintard,  Dr.  Pise  and  myself  that  the  best 
method  of  initiating  measures  for  the  revival  of  the 
University  would  be  for  the  diocese  of  Tennessee  to  take 
measures  for  establishing  on  the  domain,  with  the  con- 
currence of  the  surviving  members  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee, a  training  school  for  candidates  for  the  ministry. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  71 

The  diocesan  convention  of  Tennessee  met  in  Christ 
Church,  Nashville,  on  the  day  appointed,  the  6th  of 
September,  1865.  The  Rev.  David  Pise  presided  over  its 
deliberations.  On  the  second  day  of  the  session  Rev. 
David  Pise,  D.  D.,  Francis  B.  Fogg  and  Geo.  R.  Fairbanks 
were  elected  trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South.  On 
the  following  day  Rev.  Charles  Todd  Quintard,  M.  D.,  was 
elected  bishop  of  the  diocese.  On  the  8th  of  September  the 
following  entry  appears  in  the  journal  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  convention.  The  committee  on  the  training  school 
made  the  following  report  through  their  chairman,  Rev. 
Dr.  Quintard :  "The  committee  to  which  was  referred  the 
subject  of  providing  for  the  education  and  maintenance 
of  candidates  for  orders  report  the  following  resolutions 
and  recommend  their  adoption  by  the  convention: 

''Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  to  consist  of  five 
members,  of  whom  the  bishop  of  the  diocese  shall  be  the 
permanent  chairman,  be  appointed  by  this  convention, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  consult  with  the  executive 
committee  of  the  University  of  the  South,  and,  in  connec- 
tion with  said  committee,  take  immediate  steps  if 
practicable  for  the  establishment  of  a  theological  train- 
ing school  on  the  domain  of  the  University  of  the  South 
at  Sewanee. 

"Resolved,  That  said  committee  shall  have  full  power  to 
act  for  the  diocese  of  Tennessee  in  all  matters  connected 
with  said  enterprise  and  be  authorized  to  appoint  agents 
to  present  this  subject  to  other  dioceses  connected  with 
said  University,  and  to  solicit  funds  for  the  immediate 
erection  of  buildings  necessary  for  the  purpose  and  for 
the  payment  of  the  salaries  of  at  least  two  professors'." 


72  HISTORY    OF    THE 

This  action  of  the  diocesan  convention  at  the  sugges- 
tion of  Bishop  Quintard  may  be  well  considered  the 
constructive  foundation  upon  which  the  plans  for  the 
University  were  revived  and  reinstated.  At  this  time 
there  was  no  visible  entity  to  the  University.  The  great 
founder,  Bishop  Polk,  was  dead,  as  also  Bishop  Otey. 
The  endowment  was  gone,  the  temporary  buildings  at 
Sewanee  were  in  ashes,  and  there  seemed  in  the  then 
condition  of  the  Southern  dioceses,  ruled  as  provinces  by 
army  officers,  no  time  for  work  or  thought  to  be  given  to 
the  resuscitation  of  this  great  educational  enterprise. 
This  action  in  Tennessee  was  the  spark  which  held  the 
life  of  the  University.  The  next  step  towards  carrying 
into  effect  the  resolutions  of  the  Tennessee  diocesan  con- 
vention was  the  sending  of  a  communication  to  each 
surviving  member  of  the  executive  committee,  of  which 
the  following  is  a  copy : 

COLUMBIA,  TENNV  Jan.  13th,  1866. 

ST.  PETERS  PARSONAGE, 
DEAR  SIR: 

At  a  consultation  held  by  the  undersigned  in  reference 
to  the  interest  of  the  University  of  the  South,  of  which 
they  are  trustees  in  the  diocese  of  Tennessee,  after  a 
full  exchange  of  views  the  following  conclusions  were 
arrived  at  and  agreed  to  be  submitted  to  the  chancellor, 
the  executive  committee  and  the  other  members  of  the 
board  of  trustees. 

First. — That  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  retain 
the  large  landed  endowment  which  is  held  by  the 
University  at  Sewanee  and  which  is  partly  dependent 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  73 

upon  the  active  prosecution  of  the  work.  That  it  is  also 
deemed  probable  that  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
endowment  already  secured  to  the  University  and  held 
in  the  hands  of  the  diocesan  treasurers,  may  be  made 
available  by  an  early  resumption  of  the  plans  and 
purposes  provided  for  in  the  charter.  That  with  tflie 
view  of  securing,  as  far  as  possible,  the  fruits  of  our  past 
labors  and  meeting  the  urgent  requirements  upon  the 
church  for  the  education  of  her  sons  and  the  filling  up 
of  the  ranks  of  her  ministers. 

Second. — It  is  proposed  to  aid  the  plan  initiated  by 
the  convention  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee,  and  intrusted 
to  a  committee  of  that  body,  for  the  establishment  of 
a  training  school  for  candidates  for  the  sacred  ministry 
for  the  common  benefit  of  all  the  Southern  dioceses, 
by  leasing  for  this  purpose  any  lands  which  can  be  con- 
veniently set  apart  for  such  an  object  in  the  University 
domain  for  the  erection  thereupon  of  requisite  buildings 
upon  the  payment  of  a  merely  nominal  rent,  such  lands 
to  be  set  apart  by  the  executive  committee  or  their  agent. 

Third. — That  an  effort  be  made  to  procure  sufficient 
funds  to  erect  a  few  plain  log  or  timber  buildings  for 
the  accommodation  of  a  boys'  classical  school,  such 
buildings  to  be  put  up  under  the  direction  of  the  executive 
committee  with  funds  specially  donated  for  that  purpose, 
and  the  school,  when  the  buildings  are  prepared  for  that 
purpose,  to  be  carried  on  under  the  control  of  the 
executive  committee  as  its  trustees  until  it  shall  be 
otherwise  ordered  by  the  trustees  of  the  University;  the 
expenses  of  the  school  to  be  defrayed  from  the  tuition 


74  HISTORY    OF    THE 

fees  which  may  be  received,  and  from  any  special  funds 
which  may  be  given  for  the  purpose,  and  no  liability  to 
be  incurred  on  account  of  the  University  either  for  the 
erection  of  buildings  or  the  compensation  of  teachers  or 
other  persons  connected  with  it,  it  being  intended  to 
be  a  self-supporting  institution  and  the  germ  of  the 
future  University.  The  bishop  of  Tennessee  to  be  ex  officio 
one  of  the  visitors  of  such  school  and  a  trustee  of  the 
same. 

For  the  establishment  of  the  training  school  for  candi- 
dates for  orders,  funds  have  already  been  donated, 
collected  by  Bishop  Quintard,  and  a  sum  sufficient  to 
put  up  two  or  three  plain  buildings  has  been  secured,, 
and  it  is  proposed  to  erect  such  buildings  as  soon  as  the 
assent  of  the  chancellor  and  a  majority  of  the  executive 
committee  is  obtained  with  the  view  of  at  once  com- 
mencing operations.  For  the  purpose  of  putting  up  the 
buildings  necessary  for  a  classical  school  one  or  more 
agents  should  be  appointed  to  solicit  funds,  which  should 
be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  University 
to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  executive 
coinlmittee.  The  agents  for  the  soliciting  of  funds  to  be 
appointed  by  the  chancellor,  the  bishop  of  Tennessee,  or 
executive  committee,  or  concurrently.  It  is  believed  that 
a  few  buildings  of  sawed  timber  or  hewed  will  be  all 
that  is  requisite  to  start  the  school,  and,  if  properly 
underpinned  and  put  up,  they  will  last  a  long  time  and 
be  neat  in  appearance  and  every  way  comfortable.  Five 
or  six  thousand  dollars  is  our  estimate  of  the  cost  of 


UNIVERSITY    OP    THE    SOUTH.  75* 

tbese  buildings.*  We  think  there  will  be  no  difficulty 
in  finding  suitable  instructors  who  will  undertake  to 
carry  on  the  school,  trusting  to  tuition  fees  for  their 
compensation,  and  we  deem  the  present  a  very  favorable 
time  to  inaugurate  such  an  enterprise,  t 

We  should  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  immediately  and 
have  your  views  and  your  concurrence  appended  to  the 
enclosed  paper  so  that  there  may  be  placed  upon  record 
the  formal  action  of  the  executive  committee  and  the 
chancellor,  as  it  will  hardly  be  possible  to  have  a  meeting 
of  the  board  of  trustees  for  some  time. 

(Signed)  C.  T.  QUINTARD,  bishop, 

DAVID  PISE,  clerical  trustee, 
G.  R.  FAIRBANKS,  lay  trustee, 
And  members  of  the  executive  committee. 
Please  enclose  your  reply  to  Rev.  David  Pise,  D.  D.r 
Columbia,  Tenn. 

Favorable  replies  were  received  from  the  chancellor, 
Bishop  Elliott  of  Georgia,  L.  N.  Whittle  and  Daniel 
Griffin  of  Georgia;  these,  with  Rev.  Dr.  Pise  and  Mr. 

*This  idea  of  buildings  constructed  of  sawed  timber,  log- 
house  fashion,  is  illustrated  in  the  timber  cottage  built  by  G.  R. 
Fairbanks  at  Sewanee  in  1866  and  which  now  after  more  than 
thirty-four  years  is  sound  and  apparently  as  good  as  when  con- 
structed. 

t  If  this  expression  seems  rather  strange  in  view  of  the 
condition  of  things  at  the  close  of  the  war,  the  explanation  is 
that  the  boys  of  the  country  having  been  for  the  most  part  of  the 
four  years  of  the  war  deprived  of  the  opportunities  of  education, 
their  parents  would  gladly  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages  of 
the  proposed  classical  school  at  Sewanee. 


76  HISTORY    OF    THE 

G.  R.  Fairbanks,  embraced  all  the  surviving  members  of 
the  executive  committee;  the  other  members,  Bishops 
Polk  and  Otey,  being  dead. 

The  consent  of  the  executive  committee  and  the 
chancellor.  Bishop  Elliott,  having  been  obtained  for  the 
establishment  of  a  training  school  for  theological  students 
on  the  domain  of  the  University  at  Sewanee,  arrange- 
ments were  made  in  February,  1866,  for  the  prosecution 
of  the  work  by  the  erection  of  a  simple  frame  building 
of  one  and  a  half  stories,  containing  seven  rooms  besides 
a  kitchen.  Lumber  was  procured  and  workmen  employed 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  William  P.  Ensign.  The  first 
building  of  any  kind  put  up  was  a  single-room  log  build- 
ing, about  fourteen  by  eighteen,  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  workmen.* 

Rev.  Dr.  Merrick  arrived  at  Winchester,  Tenn.,  on  the 
20th  of  March,  1866.  Bishop  Quintard  arranged  to 
proceed  to  Sewanee  and  inaugurate  the  work  by  a  formal 
act.  The  following  extract  from  his  convention  address 
in  1866  gives  a  correct  account  of  the  planting  of  the 
cross  at  Sewanee  on  the  22d  of  March,  1866 : 

"Thursday,  22d  (March),  accompanied  by  the  Kev.  Dr. 
Merrick,  Rev.  Thos.  A.  Morris  and  G.  R.  Fairbanks, 
one  of  the  trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South,  I  visited 
University  Place.  All  the  buildings,  with  the  exception 
of  an  old  log  cabin,  were  burned  by  the  Federal  army 
while  encamped  on  the  ground.  The  cornerstone  of  the 
University  was  broken  and  entirely  removed.  I  selected 

*This  building  still  exists,  having  been  afterwards  removed 
to  the  premises  of  Rt  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard  and  made  into  a  neat 
office  building. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  77 

locations  for  the  buildings  of  our  diocesan  training  school. 
In  the  evening  we  erected  a  cross  on  the  site  selected 
for  the  chapel,  gathered  the  workmen  about  it  and  asked 
the  blessing  of  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  on  our  under- 
taking. We  recited  the  Apostle's  Creed  and  made  the 
grand  old  woods  ring  with  the  'Gloria  in  Excelsis.' " 
The  place  where  the  cross  was  erected  is  now  marked 
by  the  beautiful  oratory  of  St.  Lukes  Memorial  Hall, 
in  which  the  daily  service  of  the  church  fitly  preserves 
the  highest  possible  memorial  of  that  "Gloria  in  Excelsis" 
which  then  ascended  to  the  skies,  testifying  to  the  faith 
and  courage  of  the  second  bishop  of  Tennessee.  The 
proposed  training  school  was  erected  just  in  front  of  the 
west  end  of  Walsh  Memorial  Hall.  It  was  completed 
during  the  summer  of  1866.  Bishop  Quintard  selected 
the  location  where  he  now  lives,  opposite  Walsh  Memorial 
Hall,  for  his  own  cottage  home,  which  he  took  possession 
of  with  his  family  on  the  4th  of  June,  1866,  although 
only  one  or  two  rooms  were  then  sufficiently  completed 
for  occupation.  A  few  days  afterwards  Mr.  G.  K.  Fair- 
banks brought  his  family  to  the  mountain  and  occupied 
Otey  Hall,  then  unfinished  (the  name  given  to  the  building 
erected  for  the  training  school),  until  he,  very  soon  after- 
wards, erected  his  timber  cottage,  nearly  opposite  Con- 
vocation Hall,  which  was  sufficiently  finished  for  his 
occupation  on  September  7th,  1866,  and  to  which  he 
gave  the  name  of  "Rebel's  Rest"  in  allusion  to  the 
unsettled  life,  movings  and  home  burnings  of  the  four 
previous  years;  being  glad,  indeed,  to  be  at  rest  on  this 
broad  mountain  top,  endeared  and  sanctified  by  the 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE 

memories  of  the  great  events  and  the  great  m|Bn  who 
had  here  assembled  in  by-gone  years. 

It  was  indeed  an  act  of  faith  for  these  two  families 
to  come  into  this  wilderness  of  blasted  hopes  and  ruined 
expectations  to  raise  up  the  apparently  hopeless  and 
blotted  out  scheme  of  building  up  a  great  University, 
to  begin  with  hundreds  in  place  of  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  dollars,  to  arouse  interest  among  an  impoverished  and 
stricken  people,  to  plan  the  erection  of  log  and  timber 
buildings  which  would  seem  a  mockery  of  the  great  plans 
of  the  projectors  of  the  University. 

It  was,  however,  no  effusion  of  sentimentality  or  blind 
enthusiasm,  none  knew  better  the  condition  of  the  South 
than  they  did;  none  knew  or  anticipated  more  clearly 
the  obstacles  to  be  encountered  in  the  work  they  had 
undertaken,  but,  with  a  chastened  spirit  and  a  great 
faith,  they  cast  their  plans  for  a  humfble  beginning, 
strong  in  the  hope  of  such  future  growth  and  enlarge- 
ment as  would  eventually  reach  the  full  fruition  of  the 
plans  of  the  founders. 

In  consequence  of  correspondence  with  the  chancellor, 
Bishop  Elliott,  a  special  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees 
was  called  by  him  to  meet  at  Sewanee  on  the  llth  day  of 
October,  1866.  Notices  of  the  proposed  meeting  were 
sent  to  the  members  of  the  board  as  it  stood  at  the  last 
previous  meeting  held  in  Columbia,  S.  C.,  1861. 

On  the  day  appointed,  there  met  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
G.  R.  Fairbanks  Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott,  D.  D.,  bishop 
of  Georgia,  chancellor,  Rt.  Rev.  William  M.  Green,  D.  D., 
bishop  of  Mississippi,  Rev.  M.  A.  Curtis,  D.  D.,  of  North 
Carolina,  Rev.  David  Pise,  D.  D.,  of  Tennessee,  Rev. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  79 

W.  C.  Williams  of  Georgia,  L.  N.  Whittle,  Esq.,  of 
Georgia  and  G.  R.  Fairbanks  of  Tennessee.  Morning 
prayer  was  read  by  Rev.  David  Pise,  after  which  the 
chancellor  called  the  board  to  order.  There  being  no 
quorum  present  the  board  adjourned  until  the  next  day 
at  four  o'clock.  On  the  12th  the  board  convened  and 
Rt.  Rev.  H.  C.  Lay,  I).  I).,  missionary  bishop  of  Arkansas, 
and  the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  Tennes- 
see, appeared  and  answered  to  the  roll  call.  There 
still  being  no  quorum  the  board  adjourned  to  meet  at 
the  call  of  the  chancellor. 

At  the  evening  session,  which  was  prolonged  until  mid- 
night, after  a  general  discussion  of  the  situation  of  the 
country  and  of  the  affairs  of  the  University,  each  member 
of  the  board  was  requested  by  Bishop  Elliott  to  express 
his  views  as  to  the  main  proposition  then  before  them 
for  decision,  as  to  whether  it  was  practicable  to  revive 
the  scheme  of  the  University.  The  discussion  was  full 
and  earnest,  and  the  conclusion  reached  by  each  one  in 
tarn  was  that  it  was  practicable  and  should  be  attempted. 
This  conclusion,  finally  arrived  at  about  midnight,  was 
a  source  of  devout  thankfulness,  and  the  bishop  of 
Georgia  pronounced  the  benediction. 

It  was  known  to  us  that  the  deeds  to  the  property 
and  other  important  papers  had  been  taken  from  the 
vault  of  the  executive  room  by  the  direction  of  Bishop 
(then  General)  Polk,  and  carried  by  Mr.  VanVleck  to 
Montgomery,  Ala.,  and  placed  in  the  possession  of  Mr. 
C.  T.  Pollard,  president  of  the  railroad,  for  security.  Mr. 
Pollard  placed  a  portion  of  the  papers  in  the  office  safe 
of  the  railroad,  but  one  bundle,  which  seemed  to  contain 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE 

papers,  principally  letters,  was  put  upon  a  shelf.  When 
General  Wilson's  raid  of  Federal  troops  threatened 
Montgomery,  early  in  1865,  Colonel  Pollard  took  what 
he  supposed  to  be  valuable  papers  and  maps  of  the 
University  and  intrusted  them  to  one  of  his  employees  who 
went  out  on  a  special  train  to  Opelika,  where  the  train 
was  intercepted  by  a  detachment  of  Federal  cavalry,  and 
the  car  in  which  the  papers  were,  was  burned.  The 
maps,  deeds  and  papers  were  thus  supposed  to  be  entirely 
lost,  and  it  was  spoken  of  at  our  meeting  as  a  discourag- 
ing circumstance.  During  the  afternoon  of  October 
12th,  while  we  were  in  session,  a  young  gentleman  came 
up  from  the  train  to  Mr.  Fairbanks'  house  and  brought 
a  letter  from  Colonel  Pollard,  regretting  his  inability  to 
attend  the  meeting  of  the  board,  and  saying  that  he  had 
found  on  a  shelf  in  his  office  a  bundle  of  papers  tied  up 
in  a  newspaper,  which  he  sent  along  with  his  messenger, 
but  he  presumed  they  were  of  little  value,  although  he  had 
not  examined  them.  The  bundle  was  laid  upon  the  floor. 
After  we  had  retired,  the  writer,  feeling  somewhat  excited 
by  the  interesting  character  of  the  discussion  we  had 
been  engaged  in,  and  revolving  in  his  mind  how  we  could 
replace  the  loss  of  our  deeds,  recalled  the  bundle  which 
Colonel  Pollard  had  sent,  and  which  had  not  been  opened, 
but  remained  where  it  was  placed  on  the  floor  in  his 
parlor.  As  soon  as  it  was  light  he  dressed,  went  down 
and  proceeded  to  open  the  package,  when,  to  his  delight 
and  surprise,  he  found  it  contained  the  very  deeds  and 
title  papers  of  which  we  had  mourned  the  loss.  When 
the  others  came  down  to  breakfast  he  announced  his 
discovery,  and  it  was  hailed  by  us  all  as  an  auspicious 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  81 

omen  of  success  in  prosecuting  the  work  we  had  decided 
to  undertake. 

Bishop  Quintard  was  requested  to  continue  his  efforts 
to  secure  funds,  which  he  cordially  undertook  to  do. 

On  the  following  morning  several  of  the  gentlemen 
walked  down  to  Cowan  by  the  Hawkins  trail,  among 
whom  was  the  bishop  of  Georgia.  In  the  month  of 
March,  1866,  the  trustees  of  an  institution  at  Winchester, 
Tenn.,  which  had  been  known  as  the  Carrick  Academy, 
offered  t!o  make  over  to  Bishop  Quintard  the  Academy 
building  with  four  acres  of  land  on  a  lease  of  ninety- 
nine  years.  The  Bishop  invited  Rev.  Franklin  L.  Knight, 
D.  D.,  of  New  Jersey,  to  take  charge  of  the  school.  It 
was  regarded  as  a  good  opportunity  to  establish  a 
church  school  as  a  feeder  to  Sewanee.  On  September  3d 
the  Bishop  formally  opened  the  school  as  the  Sewanee 
Collegiate  Institute.  It  began  under  very  fair  auspices, 
but  support  soon  diminished.  The  Institute  changed  its 
name  to  Sewanee  College  and  lingered  on  with  varying 
numbers  until  1870,  when  it  was  given  up  by  the  church 
altogether. 

It  was  subsequently  established  by  the  people  of 
Winchester  as  a  successful  normal  school  for  teachers. 
Bishop  Elliott,  who  had  succeeded  Bishop  Polk  as  chan- 
cellor, died  very  suddenly  at  his  home  in  Savannah  on 
the  21st  of  December,  1866,  a  great  loss  to  the  University, 
the  church  and  the  country.  He  was  succeeded  in  the 
office  of  chancellor  by  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi.  In 
January,  1867,  Rev.  F.  L.  Knight,  D.  D.,  came  up  from 
Winchester  to  take  charge  of  Sewanee  Divinity  School, 
a  few  divinity  students  having  been  gathered  here. 


HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Progress  of  affairs  during  the  year  1867 — Efforts  to  raise  funds 
at  home  for  the  work. 

IN  January,  1867,  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi,  then 
chancellor,  came  to  Sewanee  with  his  family,  and,  during 
the  following  spring,  erected  the  mansion  which  has  been 
occupied  by  himself  and  daughters  since  1867.  During 
the  same  season  Rev.  Dr.  Knight  built  a  residence,  now 
known  as  the  Harlow  place.  Mrs.  S.  E.  Cotten  came  to 
Sewanee  in  the  spring  of  1867,  and  occupied  Otey  Hall 
as  a  boarding  house.  South  Wing,  now  forming  the 
central  portion  of  Mrs.  Elmore's  residence,  adjoining 
Walsh  Memorial  on  the  south,  was  built  in  the  summer 
of  1867.  Dr.  Knight,  in  his  report  to  the  diocesan  con- 
vention of  Tennessee,  reports  eight  families  and  sixteen 
communicants  in  the  mission  at  Sewanee. 

Bishop  Green,  as  chancellor,  called  a  meeting  of  the 
board  of  trustees  to  be  held  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  on  the 
13th  of  February,  1867.  In  pursuance  of  this  call 
there  were  present  at  this  meeting  Bishop  Green  of 
Mississippi,  Bishop  Wilmer  of  Alabama,  Bishop  Quintard 
of  Tennessee,  Bishop  H.  C.  Lay  of  Arkansas,  Rev.  M.  A. 
Curtis,  D.  D.,  of  North  Carolina,  Rev.  W.  C.  Williams, 
D.  D.,  of  Georgia,  Rev.  J.  J.  Scott,  D.  D.,  of  Florida, 
Rev.  W.  C.  Crane,  D.  D.,  of  Mississippi,  Rev.  W.  T. 
Leacock,  D.  D.,  of  Louisiana,  Mr.  L.  N.  Whittle  of 
Georgia,  Mr.  C.  T.  Pollard  of  Alabama,  Mr.  G.  R.  Fair- 
banks of  Florida  and  Tennessee.  A  committee  was 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  83 

appointed  to  report  the  most  feasible  plan  of  beginning 
the  work  of  the  University.  The  committee  consisted  of 
Bishop  Quintard,  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis  and  Messrs.  Whittle, 
Pollard  and  Fairbanks. 

A  resolution  was  passed  requesting  Bishop  Wilmer  of 
Alabama  to  preach  a  sermon  in  memory  of  the  late 
Bishop  Elliott,  chancellor  of  the  University.  In  pursu- 
ance of  this  resolution  Bishop  Wilmer  delivered  a 
memorial  sermon  on  the  life,  labors  and  character  of 
Bishop  Elliott  in  St.  Johns  Church,  Montgomery. 

Rev.  Dr.  Crane  and  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks  presented 
resolutions  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  four 
bishops,  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott  and  Rutledge,  members  of 
the  board  who  had  died  since  its  last  meeting.  The 
committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
present  condition  and  future  requirements  of  the  Univer- 
sity, through  their  chairman,  Bishop  Green,  reported  the 
following  recommendations,  as  embodying  the  essential 
features  which  they  deemed  necessary  to  put  the  Univer- 
sity into  operation. 

First.  That  there  be  elected  a  vice  chancellor,  who 
should  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  soliciting  subscriptions 
and  otherwise  advancing  the  interests  of  the  University. 
And  that  there  should  be  chosen  from  the  lay  trustees  a 
commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  to  act  as  general 
agent,  and  associated  with  the  vice  chancellor  in  the  work 
of  soliciting  funds,  who  should  act  as  business  manager, 
and,  under  the  direction  of  the  executive  committee, 
have  in  charge  all  the  business  affairs  of  the  University, 
and  should  reside  at  Sewanee. 


$4  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Secondly.  That  the  accounts  and  debts  should  be 
adjusted  or  arranged  by  the  executive  committee,  either 
by  payment  from  available  assets  or  issuance  of  bonds, 
and  that  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  acting 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  vice  chancellor,  might 
adjust  or  compromise  any  existing  subscriptions,  or 
with  consent  of  donors  or  their  representatives,  apply 
same  to  clear  off  existing  indebtedness  or  to  buildings; 
and  the  diocesan  treasurers  be  requested  to  turn  over  to 
the  vice  chancellor  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands  the  notes,  bonds  or  other  assets  of  the  University 
in  their  hands. 

The  recommendations  of  the  committee  were  all 
adopted,  and  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  bishop  of  Ten- 
nessee, was  elected  vice  chancellor,  and  Geo.  R.  Fair- 
banks was  elected  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands. 

The  executive  committee  were  authorized  to  erect 
buildings  for  University  purposes  to  the  extent  of  any 
funds  which  might  be  available  for  that  purpose.  A 
resolution  was  passed  on  motion  of  Rev.  Dr.  Crane,  of 
Mississippi,  that  the  executive  committee  be  authorized 
to  establish  and  put  in  operation,  so  soon  as  the}7  may 
deem  it  advisable,  a  high  school  on  the  University  grounds. 
It  will  be  recalled  that  a  similar  resolution  had  been 
passed  by  the  board  of  trustees  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  in 
October,  1861,  and  although  the  scheme  of  the  University, 
as  exhibited  in  the  constitution  and  statutes,  did  not 
refer  to  any  preparatory  classical  school  or  high  school 
in  connection  with,  and  as  an  adjunct  to,  the  University, 
yet  the  board  of  trustees  did,  by  their  action  in  1861  r 
distinctly  recognize  and  adopt  such  an  adjunct,  reaffirm- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  85 

ing  it  in  1867.  Bishop  Quintard  addressed  the  following 
communication  to  the  board : 

"To  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  University  of  the 
South : 

"Brethren : — I  have  been  extremely  anxious  to  establish 
a  theological  school  on  the  domain  of  the  University  of 
the  South.  I  have  erected  a  building,  known  as  Otey 
Hall,  where  a  goodly  number  of  students  may  be  accom- 
modated. I  beg  leave  to  offer  to  the  said  board  the  said 
building  as  part  of  the  property  of  the  University  on 
condition  that  the  board  adopt  the  training  school  as  the 
theological  department  of  the  University  of  the  South." 

It  was  resolved  that  the  proposition  of  the  bishop  of 
Tennessee  be  and  is  hereby  accepted. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  requesting  the  vice  chancellor 
to  prepare  an  address  to  the  members  and  friends  of  the 
church,  setting  forth  the  plans  proposed  by  the  board, 
and  calling  upon  the  clergy  and  laity  to  give  their  earnest 
and  hearty  cooperation. 

The  diocese  of  Kentucky,  which  had  not  been  included 
in  the  original  association  of  dioceses  to  be  connected 
with  the  University,  was  now  invited  to  send  delegates  to 
the  next  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  to  be  held  at 
Sewanee  in  August,  1867. 

Bishop  Quintard  had  on  his  hands  the  accumulated 
work  of  his  diocese,  and  had  made  appointments  which 
could  not  be  set  aside  or  delayed,  and  was  unremittingly 
engaged  in  the  visitation  of  his  diocese  until  the  last  of 
April,  when,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Fairbanks,  he  visited 
Louisville,  Ky.,  and  remained  a  week,  preaching  in  Chirst 
Church  and  endeavoring  to  enlist  the  interest  of  that 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE 

generous  people  in  the  University.  He  received  the* 
offertory,  and  generous  contributions  were  made  towards 
fitting  up  the  training  school  building.  .It  was  the 
intention,  also,  to  have  visited  Louisiana,  but  they  were 
urgently  requested  to  postpone  the  visit  until  fall.  In 
March,  1867,  the  bis-hop  of  Tennessee  received  an  invita- 
tion from  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  to  attend  a 
Pan- Anglican  Council  which  was  to  be  held  at  Lambeth 
Palace  on  September  24th,  1867. 

The  diocesan  convention  of  Tennessee  held  in  May, 
1867,  declared  that,  in  their  opinion,  the  interest  of  the 
church  would  be  subserved  by  the  attendance  of  Bishop 
Quintard  on  such  synod.  During  the  month  of  June 
Bishop  Quintard  made  addresses  and  solicited  funds  for 
the  University  in  several  larger  cities  of  Georgia,  but 
was  disabled  from  work  for  some  two  weeks  of  the  time, 
and  finding  himself  early  in  July  unable  to  continue  the 
work  he  requested  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Cornish,  of  Aiken, 
S.  C.,  to  act  in  its  further  prosecution.  Mr.  Cornish 
entered  zealously  upon  the  work,  but  the  time  did  not 
seem  propitious  for  large  results.  A  letter  addressed  by 
Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands,  to  Rev.  Mr.  Cornish  at  that  time  presents  in  a 
forcible  manner  the  purposes  in  view  and  then  condition 
of  affairs. 

UNIVERSITY  PLACE,  TENNV  July  6th,  1867. 
REVEREND  AND  DEAR  SIR: 

I  am  this  evening  in  receipt  of  your  favor  of  2d  from 
Macon.  I  am  glad  to  learn  of  your  mission  on  our  be 
half,  and  hope  you  may  be  as  successful  as  so  great 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  87 

and  so  worthy  a  cause  deserves.  It  seems  to  me  that  an 
object  which  commanded  the  warmest  sympathies  and 
the  most  earnest  support  of  an  Otey,  a  Polk,  a  Cobbs 
and  an  Elliott  should  at  once  enlist  the  interest  and 
aid  of  every  churchman  in  the  land.  Our  purposes  are 
simple,  plain  and  practicable,  not  forgetting  for  a  moment 
the  great  ideal  of  a  University  which  its  founders  pro- 
jected, we  aim  now  to  lay  the  foundation  by  establishing 
a  high  school  of  a  truly  first-class  character.  This  we 
desire  to  do  at  once,  and  aim  at  erecting  accommodations 
for  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  students  this  summer,  to 
be  increased  another  year  to  double  that  number,  and 
thus  bring  our  work  to  an  immediate  and  practical 
usefulness,  and  at  the  same  time  work  towards  the 
accomplishment  of  our  great  purpose  of  a  church 
university  on  the  largest  and  most  complete  scale. 

The  class  of  buildings  we  are  now  striving  to  put  up 
will  be  neat  but  inexpensive.  I  enclose  the  plans  of  one 
to  be  called  Cobbs  Hall,  which  I  have  the  materials  now 
on  hand  to  erect  but  not  the  funds  to  pay  for  its  erection. 
We  have  also  the  ground  marked  off  for  a  chapel,  sixty- 
four  feet  nave,  sixteen  feet  chancel  (total,  eighty  by 
twenty-four  feet),  to  be  used  also  for  a  school  room.  T. 
have  the  materials  for  the  putting  up  of  the  chancel  and 
thirty-two  feet  of  the  nave,  but  no  funds  for  flooring  or 
cost  of  putting  up.  We  think  it  advisable  to  put  up  the 
student's  rooms  in  buildings  of  eight  rooms  each  to  avoid 
too  many  under  one  roof  and  less  danger  of  fire.  I  wish 
to  put  up  three  of  these  eight-room  buildings  and  one- 


88  HISTORY    OF    THE 

i 

boarding  house  this  fall.*  The  boarding  house  will  cost 
somewhat  more,  say,  for  eight  rooms,  $1,800.00.  Even 
taking  into  consideration  the  impoverished  condition  of 
the  church,  it  is  very  little  to  ask  that,  to  accomplish 
such  a  purpose.  The  school  will  be  self-supporting  when 
well  under  way.  We  wish  only  the  buildings  and  outfit, 
and  those  of  the  plainest  description.  We  have  now  the 
bedding  and  room  furniture  and  furnishings  to  accom- 
modate forty  pupils.  To  such  as  may  desire  to  know  by 
whom.'  and  under  what  agency  the  work  is  going  on,  you 
can  reply  that  the  venerable  chancellor,  I>ishop  Green, 
is  on  the  spot,  and  for  the  time  living  here  and  giving 
his  aid  and  counsel.  That  the  vice  chancellor,  Bishop 
Quintard,  resides  here  part  of  the  year  and  gives  his 
heart  and  labors  to  the  work.  That  the  business  manage- 
ment is  confided  to  one  of  the  lay  trustees  who  has  taken 
an  active  part  for  the  institution  since  its  commence- 
ment and  who  is  devoting  his  time  and  abilities  to  the 
details  and  management  of  its  affairs. 

Every  dollar  given  will  be  judiciously  and  wisely 
expended  and,  as  fast  as  funds  are  received,  they  will 
be  devoted  not  to  building  up  lofty  and  costly  buildings 
which  may  never  reach  completion,  but  to  those  that  can 
be  built  for  a  limited  sum  and  be  put  up  and  occupied 
at  once.  We  are  now  at  a  critical  period  of  our  work 
when  help  is  most  needed.  Every  day  is  important.  Wre 


*The  plan  was  for  the  building  generally  known  for  some 
years  as  South  Wing,  now  farming  a  part  of  Mrs.  Elmore's  Hall 
near  Walsh  Memorial  Hall.  It  called  for  a  building  of  eight 
rooms  to  cost  $1,200. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SuUTH.  99 

•ought  to  open  the  school  this  fall,  or  we  mlay  be  delayed 
a  whole  year;  a  year  which  may  determine  the  destiny 
of  many  a  young  man,  and  which  may  seriously  affect 
the  future  prospects  of  our  institution. 

The  moral  safeguards,  which  will  surround  the  students 
here,  can  only  be  appreciated  by  those  who  know  how 
much  of  dissipation  is  going  on,  even  in  the  most  retired 
villages  where  the  inevitable  grog  shop  can  now  be 
found  more  frequently  than  ever  before.  It  is  a  favorable 
period  to  begin.  The  abundant  crops  of  the  country 
which  surrounds  us,  and  of  the  rich  valleys  which  lie 
at  our  feet,  ensure  for  the  coming  year  plenty  and  cheap- 
ness of  living.  We  believe  we  can  give  such  liberal 
salaries  to  professors  as  will  insure  the  best  ability  in  the 
country,  and  yet  not  have  the  expenses  of  our  institution 
exceed  those  of  the  lowest  college  in  the  country.  The 
difference  in  the  cost  of  travel,  expense  of  living,  etc.,  will 
make  a  large  margin  in  our  favor. 

I  enclose  some  extracts  from  an  address  prepared  by 
Bishop  Elliott  in  1858,  which  will  present  many  sugges- 
tions to  you.  I  also  enclose  the  letter  of  the  bishops 
in  1856,  at  the  outset  of  the  enterprise.  We  are  daily 
receiving  inquiries  and  applications  which  we  cannot 
yet  answer  until  we  know  what  response  the  church  will 
make  to  our  present  appeal.  We  should  have  too  much 
pride  to  go  North  for  the  few  thousand  dollars  which 
we  now  require  to  begin  upon.  It  will  interest  the  people 
of  Alabama,  I  presume,  to  know  that  one  of  the  halls  we 
are  preparing  to  build  will  be  called  Cobbs  Hall,  in 


90  HISTORY    OF    THE 

honor  of  their  saintly  bishop.  Wishing  you  Godspeed,. 
and  faith  and  patience  to  bear  up  under  disappointments^ 
I  remain,  Very  truly  yours, 

G.  R.  FAIRBANKS. 

The  chancellor,  Bishop  Green,  had  issued  an  address 
on  behalf  of  the  University,  the  opening  sentence  of  which 
was:  "It  was  a  favorite  saying  of  our  beloved  Bishop 
Polk  that  'a  great  thought  never  dies,'  and  it  cannot  be 
doubted  that  this  conviction  brightened  the  last  trying 
years  of  his  life  with  regard  to  the  institution  which 
he  so  nobly  projected,  and  mainly  assisted  in  commencing 
at  this  place." 

After  a  resume  of  the  history  of  the  inception  of  the 
University,  and  a  reference  to  the  advantages  of  its 
location  at  Sewanee,  he  proceeds  to  explain  the  proposed 
action  of  the  trustees  in  the  establishment  of  a  high 
school,  and  earnestly  commends  Bishop  Quintard  and  his 
lay  helper  to  the  confidence  and  liberal  aid  of  the  church- 
men of  the  associated  dioceses.  A  brief  appeal  from 
Bishop  Quintard  and  Mr.  Fairbanks  also  accompanied 
Bishop  Green's  address,  but,  as  generally  happens,  printed 
addresses  or  appeals  are  soon  laid  by  and,  whatever 
impulse  of  generosity  or  duty  they  at  the  moment  excite 
in  the  hearts  of  most,  speedily  pass  into  temporary 
oblivion.  The  result  of  these  appeals  was  for  the  time 
at  least  discouraging.  The  personal  efforts  of  Bishop 
Quintard  were  more  fruitful. 


GEORGE  R.  FAIRBANKS, 
Trustee  J  857- 1905. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  91 


CHAPTER    IX. 

Meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Sewanee  in  August,  1867 — 
Action  taken  in  reference  to  the  approaching  meeting  of  the 
Pan-Anglican  Council  in  England — Visit  of  Bishop  Quintard 
to  England  and  material  aid  received  for  the  University. 

1867. 

BISHOP  GREEN,  who  succeeded  Bishop  Elliott  as  chan- 
cellor in  December,  1866,  called  a  meeting  of  the  board 
of  trustees  to  be  held  at  Sewanee  on  the  1st  of  August, 
1867. 

Upon  the  day  appointed,  of  the  bishops  only  Bishops 
Green  and  Quintard  were  present,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Channing 
Moore  Williams,  missionary  bishop  to  China  and  Japanr 
was  also  present  as  a  visitor.  Of  the  clerical  trustees, 
Rev.  Dr.  W.  C.  Williams  of  Georgia,  and  Rev.  David 
Pise,  D.  DM  of  Tennessee.  Of  lay  trustees  were  present 
L.  N.  Whittle  of  Georgia,  T.  E.  B.  Pegues  of  Mississippi,. 
Smith  Siinpkins  of  Florida,  and  Messrs.  P.  C.  Pennington 
and  Fairbanks  of  Tennessee. 

Rev.  James  Craik,  D.  D.,  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  accord- 
ance with  a  resolution  of  the  diocesan  convention  of 
Kentucky,  was  present  as  an  accredited  delegate  of  the 
diocese. 

The  following  preamble  and  resolutions  offered  by  the 
bishop  of  Tennessee  were  adopted: 

"Whereas,  the  Church  of  England  laid  the  first  founda- 
tion of  the  Church  of  Christ  in  America,  and  through 
her  nursing  care  and  protection  was  instrumental  m 


92  HISTORY    OF    THE 

furthering  the  work  of  Christ  and  the  church  in  the  older 
states  of  America ;  and 

"Whereas,  the  approaching  council  of  bishops  in  visible 
communion  with  the  English  church  has  for  its  object 
in  an  especial  manner  the  promotion  of  the  missionary 
work  of  the  church;  Therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  the  chancellor  of  the  University  of 
the  South  be  requested  to  address  a  statement  and 
appeal  to  the  most  reverend  the  archbishops  and  the 
right  reverend  the  bishops  of  the  Church  of  England, 
setting  forth  the  lamentable  condition  of  the  church  in 
the  Southern  dioceses,  the  history  and  vast  importance 
of  our  enterprise,  and  ask  their  aid  and  cooperation  in 
carrying  forward  the  work; 

"Resolved,  That  this  address  shall  be  sent  through  the 
vice  chancellor,  who  shall  be  authorized  and  requested  to 
solicit  from  the  presiding  bishop  of  the  church  in  the 
United  States  his  counsel,  advice  and  cooperation  in  the 
presentation  of  the  address,  and  in  presenting  the  claims 
of  the  University  to  the  bishops,  clergy  and  laity  of  the 
Church  of  England." 

It  was  directed  that,  until  further  instructions,  the 
contemplated  high  school  should  embrace  the  studies  of 
Greek,  Latin,  mathematics,  English,  rhetoric,  elocution, 
composition  and  theology. 

Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks  reported  upon  the  condition  of 
affairs  of  the  University.  He  reports  Otey  Hall  com- 
pleted and  improved.  A  new  building  in  connection 
with  Otey  Hall  put  up  and  would  be  soon  completed, 
to  wit:  South  Wing  or  Cobb's  Hall.  That  the  materials 
for  a  neat  and  commodious  chapel  had  been  mainly  placed 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  93 

OD  the  ground,  which  was  also  designed  for  school 
rooms.  That,  upon  the  strength  of  the  pledges  given  at 
Montgomery  in  reference  to  the  prosecution  of  the  work, 
several  residences  had  been  erected  and  several  leases 
had  been  made.  That,  for  the  immediate  purposes  of  the 
institution  in  order  to  open  a  school  of  seventy-five 
students,  the  sum  of  |2,000  to  $2,500  was  necessary. 

The  meetings  of  the  board  were  held  in  South  Wing, 
which  was  then  simply  enclosed  and  without  partitions. 
On  the  2d  of  August  Holy  Communion  was  celebrated 
in  that  building  by  Bishop  Green  at  five  o'clock,  after 
which  the  bishops,  clergy  and  laity  moved  in  procession 
jto  a  spot  selected  for  laying  the  cornerstone  of  St. 
Augustine's  chapel.*  A  processional  hymn  was  sung  and 
the  doctors  of  divinity  wore  their  appropriate  hoods. 

The  chapel  was  immediately  erected,  the  nave  of  the 
dimensions  of  thirty-two  by  twenty-four,  chancel  twelve 
by  sixteen,  it  was  boarded  up  vertically  with  an  open 
timber  roof,  having  crossed  rafter  braces  after  Will's 
designs;  Gothic  doors  and  windows.  The  furniture  first 
used  was  of  the  plainest  and  roughest  description.  A 
handsome  silver  communion  service,  chalice  and  paten, 
had  been  given  by  two  generous  friends,  Mr.  John  M. 
Robinson  and  Mr.  John  B.  Smith  of  Louisville,  who,  in 
1870,  added  a  beautiful  flagon. 

On  the  14th  of  August  Bishop  Quintard  sailed  for 
England  to  attend  the  Pan-Anglican  Council.  He  was 
absent  until  the  20th  of  the  May  following,  having 

*This  original  chapel,  32  x  24,  with  chancel  12  x  16,  forms 
a  part  of  the  present  chapel. 


S4  HISTORY    OF    THE 

remained  in  England  after  the  closing  of  the  council  to 
promote  the  interests  of  the  University. 

It  was  rather  a  delicate  matter  for  the  Bishop  to  take 
any  active  steps  in  behalf  of  the  University  until  the 
council,  to  which  he  had  been  invited,  should  have 
entirely  passed  over. 

Before  leaving  England,  Bishop  Hopkins,  presiding 
bishop  of  the  church  in  the  United  States,  had  addressed 
a  letter  to  the  Rev.  F.  W.  Tremlett,  who  was  honorable 
secretary  for  the  University  movement,  giving  his  cordial 
and  hearty  indorsement  to  the  work ;  and  Bishop  Whipple 
of  Minnesota  and  the  bishop  of  New  Hampshire  had 
written  most  hearty  and  cordial  letters.  The  work  was 
not  directly  instituted  by  Bishop  Quintard,  but  through 
the  instrumentality  of  English  friends,  foremost  among 
whom  was  the  Rev.  F.  W.  Tremlett  of  St.  Peters,  Belzize 
Park,  London.  The  archbishop  of  Canterbury,  primate  of 
all  England,  gave  his  help  and  sanction  and  addressed  the 
following  letter  to  Rev.  Dr.  Tremlett : 

LAMBETH  PALACE,  Oct.  15th,  1867. 
REVEREND  AND  DEAR  SIR: 

I  heartily  sanction  the  effort  which  is  to  be  made  in 
behalf  of  the  University  of  the  Southern  States,  and  shall 
be  glad  if  you  will  put  down  my  name  for  a  donation  of 
twenty-five  pounds  towards  the  creation  of  such  an 
institution. 

I  Would  especially  recommend  the  object  to  the  favor- 
able consideration  of  the  members  of  our  church,  in 
remembrances  of  the  sacrifices  which  so  mlany  of  the 
American  bishops  have  recently  made  in  order  to  testify 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  15 

their  respect  and  affection  for  the  church  of  their  fore- 
fathers.   Believe  me,  reverend  and  dear  sir, 
Yours  truly, 

C.  T.  OANTUAR. 
To  the  Hon.  F.  W.  Tremlett. 

A  committee  was  formed,  by  whom  a  circular  was 
issued  and  subscriptions  invited,  consisting  of  the  arch- 
bishop of  York,  Lord  Salisbury,  the  bishop  of  Oxford, 
Kev.  Lord  Charles  Hervey,  now  bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells, 
Earl  Nelson,  Mr.  Gladstone,  Beresford  Hope  and  other 
distinguished  clergymen  and  laymen,  the  Kev.  F.  W. 
Tremlett,  honorable  secretary,  and  J.  A.  Stewart,  treas- 
urer. Among  the  subscribers  were  many  of  the  most 
honored  names  in  England. 

The  bishop  of  Tennessee  had  a  most  cordial  reception 
in  as  many  of  the  cathedrals  and  parish  churches  as 
he  was  able  to  visit,,  and,  as  the  result  of  his  labors,  a 
sufficient  fund  was  received  to  enable  the  executive 
-committee  to  enlarge  the  chapel,  erect  Tremlett  Hall,  and 
put  matters  into  condition  for  opening  the  high  school. 
A  more  full  account  of  Bishop  Quintard's  work  in  Eng- 
land, we  hope,  will  be  forthcoming  from  his  own  pen. 


9«  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  X. 

Election  and  consecration  of  Bishop  Beckwith  as  Bishop  of 
Georgia — Meeting  of  the  trustees  at  Savannah,  Ga.,  April 
2d,  1868 — Decision  of  the  board  to  open  the  junior  depart- 
ment of  the  University  not  later  than  the  first  of  September,. 
1868 — Selection  of  Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas  as  head  of  the  school — • 
Formal  opening  of  the  junior  department  September  18,  1868. 

1868-1869. 

IN  the  meantime  the  vacancy  in  the  diocese  of  Georgia 
had  been  filled  by  the  election  of  the  Eev.  Jno.  W.. 
Beckwith,  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  New  Orleans,  and 
arrangements  for  his  consecration  in  St.  Johns  Church,, 
Savannah,  on  April  1st,  1868,  had  been  made. 

In  view  that  there  would  be  on  that  occasion  many 
of  the  trustees  present,  the  chancellor  called  a  special 
meeting  of  the  board  to  meet  at  Savannah  on  the  1st  of 
April,  1868.  The  trustees  met  on  that  day  and  adjourned 
over  until  the  2d  of  April,  when  there  were  present 
Bishops  Green  of  Mississippi,  Atkinson  of  North  Carolina, 
Wilmer  of  Alabama,  Wilmer  of  Louisiana,  Young  of 
Florida  and  Beckwith  of  Georgia,  Rev.  Dr.  Curtis  of 
North  Carolina,  Rev.  Dr.  Williams  of  Georgia,  and 
Messrs.  DeRossett  and  Withers  of  North  Carolina, 
Whittle  of  Georgia,  Simpkins  and  Williams  of  Florida, 
Pollard  of  Alabama  and  Fairbanks  of  Tennessee. 

A  resolution  was  passed,  that  for  the  purpose  of  initiat- 
ing operations  under  the  charter  of  the  University,  the 
board  would  open  the  junior  department  at  University 
Place  not  later  than  September  1st,  1868.  The  resolution? 


Gen.  JOSIAH  GORGAS, 
Second  Vice  Chancellor 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  97 

"k  that  form  in  order  that  there  should  be  no  questions 
to  the  formal  beginning  of  the  operations  of  the 

niversity,  and  the  term  "high  school"  was  thereafter 

'opped,  and  the  term  "junior  department"  adopted.  The 
executive  committee  was  authorized  to  appoint  a  head 
master,  or  principal,  and  other  teachers  for  the  school.  A 
resolution  was  passed  expressing  grateful  appreciation 
of  the  self-denying  labors  of  the  bishop  of  Tennessee, 
his  great  kindness  in  remaining  abroad  at  the  request 
of  the  friends  of  the  University  for  the  purpose  of  obtain- 
ing funds,  and  to  which  we  owe  the  promise  of  the  future 
success  of  this  great  enterprise.  It  was  directed  that  the 
first  permanent  edifice  to  be  erected,  be  known  as 
"Tremlett  Hall,"  in  testimony  of  our  respect  for  the  Rev. 
F.  W.  Tremlett,  D.  D.,  and  of  our  grateful  recognition 
of  his  wise,  disinterested  and  successful  exertions  in 
behalf  of  this  institution. 

An  executive  committee,  consisting  of  Bishops  Green, 
Quintard  and  Wilmer  of  Louisiana,  Drs.  Bannister  and 
Williams,  and  Messrs.  Whittle,  Dunnington  and  Fair- 
banks, was  elected. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  executive  committee,  held  a  daj 
or  two  afterwards,  it  was  resolved  that  the  Rev.  J.  H. 
Coit  of  New  Hampshire  be  appointed  rector  of  the 
junior  department  and  professor  of  mathematics,  that 
Rev.  Hall  Harrison  be  elected  professor  of  classics,  and 
that  Mr.  G.  Berkley  Green  be  appointed  tutor  in  the 
junior  department. 

The  chancellor  was  requested  to  communicate  with 
Commander  M.  F.  Maury,  in  reference  to  some  official 
connection  with  the  University.  At  a  meeting  of  the 


98  HISTORY    OF    THE 

executive  committee  held  at  Sewanee  in  May,  1868,  they 
were  informed  that  Rev.  Mr.  Coit  and  Rev.  Hall  Harrison 
declined  the  appointments  made,  and  also  that  Com- 
mander Maury  would  be  unable  to  connect  himself  with 
the  University.  It  was,  therefore,  ordered  that  the 
secretary  correspond  with  Gen.  J.  Gorgas  and  Gen. 
Samuel  Jones  in  reference  to  the  position  of  head  of  the 
junior  department. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  executive  committee,  held  June 
15th,  1868,  it  was  ordered  that  the  nomination  of  Gen. 
Gorgas  having  received  the  approval  of  all  the  executive 
committee  present,  and  the  assent  of  all  the  others  in 
writing,  the  chancellor  was  requested  to  communicate  to 
him  his  appointment  as  head  master  of  the  junior  depart- 
ment at  a  salary  of  |2,500  per  year  and  the  use  of  a 
dwelling  house  to  be  provided.  With  the  funds  provided 
by  the  efforts  of  Bishop  Quintard  in  England  the  large 
boarding  house  known  as  "Tremlett  Hall"  was  erected 
during  the  summer  of  1868,  and  a  portion  of  the  house 
afterwards  occupied  by  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith.  The  chapel 
was  enlarged  by  adding  thirty-two  feet  to  the  nave, 
putting  rooms  on  each  side  of  the  center,  adding  a  vestry 
room  and  a  choir  room. 

The  board  of  trustees  met  at  Sewanee  on  August  12th, 
1868.  There  were  present  Bishops  Green,  Gregg  and 
Quintard.  Four  of  the  clergy,  Drs.  Curtis,  Williams 
and  Bannister  and  Rev.  Mr.  Hunt,  and  Messrs.  Whittle, 
Anderson,  Pegues  and  Fairbanks. 

Resolutions  were  passed  directing  a  committee  to 
prepare  a  statement  setting  forth  the  importance  of  the 
work  of  the  University.  Also  that  the  executive  com- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  99 

nrittee  annually  prepare  a  statement  of  the  condition 
and  claims  of  the  University,  with  an  appeal  providing 
for  a  collection  on  the  third  Sunday  in  Advent,  to  be 
called  the  University  offering.  Also  that  the  bishops 
and  clerical  and  lay  trustees  of  each  diocese  be  appointed 
to  obtain  subscriptions  of  twenty  dollars  per  annum  for 
five  years  for  support  of  the  theological  department. 

A  resolution  was  passed  that  the  bishops  of  Georgia 
and  Florida  take  such  steps  as  they  thought  best  to 
raise  funds  at  the  North  for  the  University,  and  they 
were  requested  to  enter  at  once  upon  their  work.  Also 
that  the  bishops  of  Louisiana  and  Tennessee  be  appointed 
a  committee  to  present  the  wants  of  the  University  at  the 
South. 

The  executive  committee  reported  that  they  had  elected 
Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas  as  head  master  of  the  junior  depart- 
ment and  that  he  had  accepted  the  position. 

The  board  adjourned  to  meet  in  New  York  the  13th  of 
October  following,  during  the  meeting  of  the  general 
convention.  It  not  having  been  found  practicable  to 
open  the  school  on  September  1st,  notices  for  the  opening 
of  the  junior  department  on  the  18th  of  September  were 
published,  and  such  preparations  made  as  it  was  supposed 
would  be  necessary. 

General  Gorgas  had  informed  the  committee  that  it 
would  not  be  in  his  power  to  take  up  the  work  of  head  of 
the  junior  department  until  March,  1869.  Professor 
Robert  Dabney,  of  Virginia,  was  invited  by  the  executive 
committee  as  instructor  in  English  and  metaphysics. 

Rev.  P.  L.  Knight,  who  had  been  engaged  in  the  instruc- 
tion of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  was  appointed  in- 


100  HISTORY    OF    THE 

structor  of  Greek  and  Latin.  Mr.  G.  B.  Green,  instructor 
in  mathematics. 

On  the  18th  of  September  the  vice  chancellor  opened 
the  school  with  appropriate  religious  services  in  St. 
Augustine's  chapel.  The  following  named  students,  nine 
in  number,  matriculated: 

1.  Charles  M.  Fairbanks,  Florida.  2.  F.  W.  Knight, 
Tennessee.  3.  R.  W.  Sherwood,  Alabama.  4.  Joseph 
€.  Nash,  Tennessee.  5.  N.  J.  Conger,  Georgia.  6.  C. 
Barkley  Dorr,  Florida.  7.  C.  Hawks  Dorr,  Florida. 
8.  J.  E.  Creary,  Florida.  9.  J.  A.  Skipwith,  Missis- 
sippi. In  the  absence  of  General  Gorgas  Professor 
Dabney  was  the  acting  head  master  of  the  junior  depart- 
ment, Rev.  F.  L.  Knight  acting  chaplain.  In  the  course 
of  that  term  four  others  matriculated,  viz :  C.  T.  Arnett, 
J.  W.  Clopton,  G.  A.  Spyker  and  P.  H.  Marbury. 

In  the  absence  of  any  other  suitable  place  the  rear 
of  the  chapel  was  made  use  of  as  a  school  room,  for 
which  purpose  it  was  quite  ample.  Most  of  the  boys 
boarded  with  Mrs.  S.  E.  Gotten,  who  had  taken  Otey  Hall 
as  a  boarding  house. 

The  executive  committee,  on  February  10th,  1869, 
requested  the  chancellor  to  communicate  to  Rev.  Dr. 
J.  A.  Bolles,  D.  I).,  of  Boston,  the  satisfaction  it  would 
afford  the  committee  if  he  could  be  associated  with  the 
institution  in  its  theological  department. 

The  vice  chancellor  was  requested  to  ascertain  in  what 
way  and  to  what  extent  a  salary  could  be  provided  for 
Dr.  Bolles  should  he  accept  the  position. 

It  was  directed  by  the  executive  committee  that  only 
half  tuition  be  charged  the  first  ten  students,  sons  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  101 

clergymen,  who  should  apply  for  admission  to  the  school. 

Thanks  were  returned  to  Mrs.  Carder  for  her  kindness 
in  carrying  out  the  wishes  of  Rev.  Mr.  Carder  in  reference 
to  the  presentation  of  his  very  valuable  library  to  the 
University. 

The  committee  directed  that  a  uniform  be  adopted 
for  the  students  as  early  as  practicable  to  consist  of  a 
grey  sack  coat,  grey  pants  with  black  stripes.  This 
recommendation  was  carried  into  effect  during  the  Lent 
term. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  executive  committee  in  June,  1869, 
it  was  ordered  that  the  school  year  should  consist  of 
forty  weeks,  to  begin  in  March  and  close  on  the  second 
week  in  December,  a  vacation  of  one  week  to  be  given 
at  the  close  of  the  first  twenty  weeks,  but  the  students 
not  allowed  to  leave  the  mountain  except  by  written 
request  of  parents. 

Thanks  were  returned  to  Daniel  Griffin,  Esq.,  for  the 
gift  of  a  very  large  terrestrial  globe;  to  H.  Sharp  and 
Sons,  New  York,  for  a  handsome  wheel  window  for  the 
chapel;  and  to  Mrs.  Cyrus  Mason,  of  New  York,  for  a 
stone  font. 

The  subject  of  making  provision  for  the  tuition  of 
young  men  designing  to  become  candidates  for  the 
ministry,  was  referred  to  the  board  of  trustees  for  arrange- 
ment. 

In  July,  the  executive  committee  appointed  General 
Gorgas  and  Professor  Dabney  a  committee  to  report  to 
the  executive  committee  a  plan  for  the  organization  of 
a  grammar  school  or  primary  department. 


102  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  committee  an  grammar  school  organization  made 
a  report  recommending  that  the  grammar  school  shall 
be  a  distinct  department  of  the  University,  under  the 
charge  of  a  master  and  such  assistance  as  from  time  to 
time  might  be  found  necessary.  That  the  master  should 
control  its  entire  discipline  except  the  extent  of  dismissal. 
That  the  instruction  should  be  strictly  preparatory  to 
entrance  into  the  University,  and  the  master  in  the  selec- 
tion of  text  books  should  act  in  consultation  with  the 
different  professors  for  whose  classes  he  is  preparing 
the  pupils.  That  in  every  other  respect  he  should  be 
independent  and  responsible  only  to  the  vice  chancellor, 
and  that  he  should  be  a  member  of  the  faculty,  acting  as  a 
board  until  the  hebdomadal  board  should  be  appointed. 
That  in  the  case  of  irregular  students  who  are  in  the 
grammar  school  in  only  a  part  of  their  studies,  they 
should  be  considered  college  students  reciting  in  the 
grammar  school,  but  not  under  its  discipline.  That  the 
assistants  in  the  grammar  school  should  be  directly 
responsible  to  the  master  and  to  the  members  of  the 
faculty. 

The  executive  committee  approved  of  the  recommenda- 
tion of  the  committee,  and  the  school  was  thenceforward 
organized  in  two  departments,  the  grammar  school  or 
preparatory  school  and  the  junior  or  collegiate  depart- 
ment. 

Col.  T.  F.  Sevier  was  appointed  master  of  the  grammar 
school.  The  head  master  was  instructed  to  forbid  the 
use  of  tobacco  by  the  younger  boys,  and  its  use  was 
forbidden  to  all  students  on  the  streets  or  school  grounds. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  103 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Progress  of  the  University  in  the  year,  1869 — Bishop  Quintard's 
report  as  vice  chancellor  and  recommendations — The  report 
of  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  of  erection  of 
new  buildings  and  leases  of  lands,  and  the  policy  to  be 
pursued  in  managing  the  domain — Plans  for  raising  an 
endowment  considered — Appointments  of  professors  and 
officers. 


1869. 


THE  board  of  trustees  met  at  Sewanee  on  the  llth 
day  of  August,  1869.  Bishop  Green,  chancellor,  Bishops 
Gregg,  Quintard,  Young  and  Beckwith,  and  six  clerical 
and  nine  lay  trustees  were  in  attendance. 

Bishop  Quintard,  as  vice  chancellor,  made  a  full  report. 
He  referred  to  his  visit  to  England  and  the  generous 
aid  obtained  there  for  the  University,  and  stated  that 
the  funds  received  enabled  us  to  erect  the  necessary 
buildings,  to  open  the  junior  department  of  the  University 
on  the  18th  of  September,  1868,  and  that  "it  stands  today 
a  witness  before  the  world  of  the  unbroken  unity  of  the 
church,  and  an  enduring  memorial  of  the  Lambeth  con- 
ference." He  recommended  that  as  this  was  a  church 
university  the  degree  of  D.  C.  L.  should  be  adopted  by 
the  University  instead  of  L.  L.  D.,  and  that  this  degree 
be  conferred  upon  the  Rev.  F.  W.  Tremlett,  D.  D.,  rector 
of  St.  Peters  Church,  Belzize  Park,  London,  England, 
who  had  acted  as  the  honorary  secretary  of  the  committee 
in  England  on  behalf  of  the  University. 


104  HISTORY    OF    THE 

He  referred  to  the  fact  that  the  executive  committee 
had  judged  it  expedient  to  organize  a  grammar  school, 
distinct  from  the  junior  department.  That  it  had  not 
been  possible  to  make  the  schools  as  distinct  as  was 
desirable.  That  new  buildings  would  be  required,  and 
more  ample  provision  made  in  both  departments.  He 
expressed  it  as  the  opinion  of  the  officers  and  teachers  of 
the  University  that  other  schools  should  be  established, 
and  that  the  original  plan  laid  down  in  the  statutes  of 
the  University  should  be  acted  upon  at  an  early  day. 

He  also  asked  that  the  school  of  theology  should  claim 
the  early  attention  of  the  board,  and  that  the  bishops 
of  the  church  should  present  some  plan  by  which  this 
school  may  be  organized  on  a  scale  commensuratle  with 
the  demands  of  the  church.  He  suggested  that  provision 
be  made  for  the  appointment  and  support  of  a  chaplain, 
and  that  there  should  be  a  committee  appointed  to  inquire 
into  and  arrange  for  the  religious  studies  to  be  pursued; 
and  a  committee  of  bishops  should  be  appointed  to  decide 
on  the  chapel  services  and  the  number  of  such  services 
the  students  should  be  required  to  attend.  He  called 
attention  to  the  necessity  of  providing  study  halls  and 
class  rooms,  and  the  need  of  funds  for  that  purpose,  and 
that  steps  be  taken  to  procure  from  the  Southern  church- 
men offerings  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  University,  sug- 
gesting that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  an 
address  to  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  church. 

A  committee  of  nine  was  appointed  to  consider  the 
report  of  the  vice  chancellor  and  other  business  to  be 
acted  upon.  The  treasurer  made  his  report,  showing  the 
amounts  received  from  England  to  have  been  $8,711.56. 


OF    THE    SOUTH.  105 


Collections  at  the  South  by  Bishop  Quintal,  $1,388.50, 
Church  offerings,  $272.50;  donations,  $106.75;  from  leases, 
$299;  tuition  fees,  $3,165;  and  an  indebtedness  of  $3,478  — 
more  than  covered  by  assets. 

Mr.  Fairbanks  made  his  report  as  commissioner  of  build- 
ings and  lands.  He  reported  the  completion  of  Tremlett 
Hall,  with  a  capacity  for  forty-  two  students.  The  comple- 
tion of  Waverly,*  occupied  by  Professor  Dabney;  the 
enlargement  of  Otey  Hall,  affording  accommodation,  with 
its  annex,  South  Wing,  for  twenty-six  students.  That 
there  were  accommodations  in  all  for  one  hundred  and  ten 
students,  besides  those  who  might  be  domiciled  in  private 
houses.  He  stated  that  it  was  probable  that  suitable 
church  families  could  be  induced  to  make  their  residence 
here  and  erect,  upon  their  own  account,  boarding  houses 
for  the  accommodation  of  students,  which  would  save 
expense  to  the  University.  He  called  attention  to  the 
need  of  a  separate  study  hall  for  the  grammlar  school, 
and  gave  an  estimate  of  the  size  and  cost  of  a  plain 
wooden  building  for  that  purpose  which  would  answer 
for  temporary  use.  He  recommended  the  erection  of  a 
laundry,  with  bath  rooms  attached.  He  expressed  the 
opinion  that  measures  should  be  at  once  taken  to 
commence  at  least  one  of  the  permanent  collegiate  build- 
ings of  the  University,  and  suggested  that  a  plan  could  be 
so  arranged  that  it  might  be  built  one  wing  or  section  at 
a  time.  He  referred  to  the  matter  of  leases,  and  expressed 
his  views  as  to  the  policy  which  should  govern  the  board, 
and  that  "this  noble  domain  will,  if  we  act  wisely,  become 

*The  house  afterwards  occupied  by  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith  until 
it«  destruction  by  fire. 


10G  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  us  an  endowment  for  the  future  of  great  value.  That 
while  anxious  on  the  one  hand  to  secure;  the  residence  of 
refined  and  cultivated  church  families,  it  has  been  equally 
necessary  that  we  should  not  place  the  rent  so  low  as  to 
cause  an  influx  of  persons  who  might  locate  simply  for 
business  or  entirely  selfish  purposes,  and  who  would  be 
a  detriment  rather  than  a  benefit  to  us.  That,  to  establish 
what  the  rent  should  be,  we  must  look  forward  to  the 
yearly  increasing  value  given  to  the  lands  by  the  growth 
of  the  population  of  the  country,  the  development  of  the 
resources  of  the  State,  the  settlement  of  the  adjacent 
lands,  the  increased  demand  for  summer  resorts,  the 
growth  of  the  University,  the  value  given  by  a  constantly 
extending  and  more  valuable  class  of  improvements,  all 
of  which  advance  the  value  of  adjacent  property.  That 
the  usual  rate  of  taxation  on  the  property  would,  in  most 
cases,  exceed  the  amount  paid  as  ground  rent,  while 
the  advantages  of  proximity  to  springs,  etc.,  are  always 
deemed  elements  of  value.  It  is  to  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration that  they  will  enjoy  almost,  if  not  quite, 
exemption  from  taxation." 

The  committee  of  nine  reported  a  resolution  that  the 
bishops  present  be  requested  to  report  the  order  of 
services  for  the  chapel  and  the  course  of  religious  instruc- 
tion to  be  pursued  by  the  students.  Kesolutions  were 
passed  fixing  the  Thursday  after  the  second  Monday  in 
July  as  Commencement  day  and  the  day  for  annual 
meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  second  Monday  in 
July;  and  that  the  first  term  of  the  Academic  year 
commence  on  the  third  Monday  in  July. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  107 

The  committee  on  buildings  and  lands  reported  in 
•favor  of  the  erection  of  a  grammar  school  building  and 
four  boarding  houses.  The  board  authorized  the  erection 
of  a  grammar  school  building  at  a  cost  not  to  exceed 
$1,000,  and  four  buildings  for  boarding  houses  at  a  cost 
not  to  exceed  $2,500  each.  The  treasurer,  who  was  also 
commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  tendered  his 
resignation  of  both  offices.  He  was  then  elected  com- 
missioner of  buildings  and  lands,  and  H.  M.  Anderson, 
M.  D.,  was  elected  general  treasurer. 

Rev.  Owen  P.  Thackara,  of  Florida,  was  appointed  an 
agent  to  canvass  the  ten  dioceses  to  solicit  cash  subscrip- 
tions for  the  purpose  of  paying  off  existing  indebtedness, 
and  the  erection  of  additional  buildings.  Mr.  Jno. 
Wilkes,  of  North  Carolina,  offered  a  resolution  authoriz- 
ing the  treasurer  to  prepare  and  issue  coupon  bonds  to 
the  amount  of  $100,000,  with  interest  at  eight  per  cent 
per  annum,  said  coupons  to  be  receivable  in  payment  of 
tuition  fees,  the  proceeds  to  be  used  for  liquidating  the 
debt,  then  to  erect  buildings  recommended  by  commis- 
sioner of  buildings  and  lands,  and  the  balance  to  perma- 
nent improvements.  The  resolution  was  referred  to  the 
committee  on  finance,  who  reported  that  it  was  inexpedi- 
ent to  take  action  at  present.  The  board  referred  to  the 
bishops,  with  power  to  act,  a  resolution  that  a  chaplain 
should  be  elected  immediately,  as  soon  as  a  suitable 
person  could  be  found,  at  a  salary  of  $1,000,  exclusive 
of  the  offertory,  and  to  the  executive  committee  a  resolu- 
tion that  a  resident  physician  be  appointed,  and  that  he 
also  fill  the  chair  of  chemistry,  at  a  salary  of  $1,000. 
A  resolution  was  passed  authorizing  the  executive  com- 


108  HISTORY    OP    THE 

mittee  to  fill  any  vacancies  of  instructors,  subject  to 
confirmation  by  the  board  at  its  next  annual  meeting. 
The  executive  committee  was  authorized  to  appoint  a 
bursar,  to  receive  moneys  for  board,  tuition,  etc.  A 
resolution  was  passed  directing  the  erection  of  a  dwelling 
house  for  the  head  master. 

The  resignations  of  G.  Berkely  Green,  as  assistant 
professor  of  mathematics,  and  of  Rev.  F.  L.  Knight,  D.  D.y 
as  professor  of  Greek  language  and  literature,  were 
accepted. 

The  executive  committee,  in  August,  appointed  T.  F. 
Sevier  bursar,  and  tendered  the  appointment  of  instruc- 
tor of  mathematics  to  Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup.  Twenty 
students  matriculated  in  Trinity  term,  1869.  Rev.  F.  A. 
Shoup  accepted  the  appointment  of  instructor  of  mathe- 
»atics.  Mr.  Caskie  Harrison  was  appointed  instructor 
of  ancient  languages.  The  executive  committee  directed 
the  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  to  replace  the 
signboards  indicating  the  sites  for  colleges  as  originally 
placed,  and  that  no  lease  be  executed  to  any  party  within 
the  area  covered  by  said  college  sites  other  than  to  officers 
or  professors  of  the  University. 

The  executive  committee  directed  that  the  arrangement 
for  music  in  the  chapel  services1  be  fixed  and  determined 
by  the  Bishop  of  Florida  (Bishop  Young),  and  under 
no  circumstances  to  be  departed  from  when  so  established. 
Also  that  the  chaplain,  being  a  master  of  arts,  should 
wear  the  Oxford  M.  A.  hood  when  officiating  in  the 
chapel,  and  that  all  officers  of  the  institution  should 
wear  the  prescribed  cap  and  gown  when  on  duty. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  10» 

The  executive  committee,  on  September  2,  1869,  adopted 
a  resolution  tendering  to  Dr.  John  B.  Elliott  the  appoint- 
ment of  physician  and  instructor  in  chemistry.  His 
salary  to  be  made  up  of  a  charge  of  ten  dollars  medical 
fee  to  each  student,  and  $500  as  instructor  of  chemistry. 
Dr.  Elliott  accepted  and  came  to  Sewanee  during  the 
month  of  September,  1869.  The  committee  also  appointed 
Rev.  F.  A.  Juny,  D.  D.,  instructor  of  modern  languages. 
A  resolution  was  passed  referring  the  whole  matter  of 
the  disposition  of  the  domain  of  the  University  to  a 
committee  of  five,  viz :  Bishop  Gregg,  Rev.  Dr.  Bannister 
and  Messrs.  Gorgas,  Whittle  and  Fairbanks,  to  report 
at  the  next  annual  meeting.  It  was  resolved  that  it  is 
deemed  expedient  to  commence  at  as  early  a  day  as 
possible  at  least  one  of  the  permanent  buildings  of  the 
University,  to  be  erected  of  stone,  and  the  executive  com- 
mittee was  authorized,  when  they  deemed  expedient,  to 
obtain  plans  and  estimates,  and  report  to  the  next  meeting 
4)f  the  board. 

The  degree  of  D.  C.  L.  was  conferred  on  the  Rev.  F.  W. 
Tremlett  of  London,  England,  in  grateful  recognition  of 
Ms  effective  work  for  the  University. 


110  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Increase  of  students — Large  number  matriculated — The  erection 
of  the  first  library  building — Meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees 
at  Sewanee  in  July,  1870 — Vice  Chancellor  Quintard's  report 
for  expansion  of  the  work — General  Gorgas'  views  as  to 
dormitories — Report  of  committee  recommending  opening  of 
the  University  schools. 

1870. 

DURING  vacation  the  fine  Meneely  bell,  now  in  use,  was 
procured  for  the  chapel,  the  melodious  tones  of  which 
have  resounded  through  these  forests  for  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century. 

In  the  Lent  term  of  1870  ninety-five  students  matricu- 
lated, being  the  largest  number  of  matriculants  in  any 
one  term  during  the  first  twenty-five  years.  The  number 
of  students  exceeded  the  accommodations  prepared  for 
them,  and  the  executive  committee  authorized  the  erection 
of  four  dormitories  and  eight  single-room  cottages.  This 
group  of  eight  cottages  was  called  Oxford  Court,  and  was 
located  on  University  Avenue,  on  the  right  hand  side, 
just  beyond  Bishop  Green's.  One  hundred  and  forty 
students  were  in  attendance  during  the  Lent  term,  1870. 

A  considerable  library  having  accumulated  by  gifts  from 
England,  Doctor  Carder  and  others,  Bishop  Gregg,  of 
Texas,  and  Bishop  Young,  of  Florida,  very  generously 
erected,  at  their  own  expense  and  aid  of  friends,  a  neat 
library  building  built  of  wood,  and  placed  on  the  spot 
where  the  A.  T.  O.  Hall  now  stands.  The  building  has 
been  removed  and  occupied  by  the  printing  office  known 
as  the  University  Press. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  Ill 

The  board  of  trustees  met  at  Sewanee  on  the  llth  day 
of  July,  1870.  There  were  present  the  chancellor,  Bishop 
Green,  Bishops  Gregg,  B.  H.  Wilmer,  Quintard,  Pierce 
and  J.  P.  B.  Wilmer,  eight  clerical  and  ten  lay  trustees. 

Bishop  Quintard,  vice  chancellor,  made  a  report  to  the 
board,  referring  to  the  rapid  development  of  the  school. 
He  regretted  that  the  Advent  offering  had  not  been  larger. 
He  recommended  that  the  fall  term  be  extended,  and  the 
spring  term  should  not  begin  so  early.  The  main  portion 
of  his  report  was  an  urgent  appeal  to  the  board  to  adopt 
plans  for  the  speedy  expansion  of  the  work.  After  reciting 
what  the  institution  was  intended  to  be  and  to  accom- 
plish, he  asks,  "shall  we  allow  this  well-planted 
and  vigorous  tree  to  grow  in  a  stunted  way?  Shall  it 
be  dwarfed  under  our  culture?  Or  shall  we  rise  to  the 
full  measure  of  our  obligations  and  our  duty,  and  resolve 
with  the  help  of  God  that  this  shall  be  a  seat  of  learning 
worthy  of  this  great  country,  the  ornament  of  the  church, 
and  the  glory  of  a  nation  which  is  'heir  of  all  the  ages 
and  foremost  in  the  files  of  time'  *  *  *  and  can  we  sit 
idly  by  and  see  the  grand  opportunity  which  God  has 
given  us  pass  away  forever?  A  thousand  times  no.  Let 
us  have  faith,  faith  in  ourselves,  faith  in  the  church  and 
faith  in  the  living  God. 

"He  has  thrown  upon  us  the  responsibility, 
'The  work  to  be  prepared  is  ours; 
The  strength  is  all  His  own.' 

"Let  us  rise  to  the  discharge  of  our  duties,  let  us  at 
once  decide  upon  some  plan  for  raising  an  endowment  of 
half  a  million  dollars.  I  verily  believe  we  are  losing 
time.  I  feel  quite  sure  that  the  people  would  respond 


112  HISTORY    OF    THE 

in  a  liberal  way  to  an  earnest  appeal  on  the  part  of 
the  bishops  of  the  church.  I  do  not  think  that  this  sum 
could  be  raised  in  one  year,  but  if  two  bishops  would 
consent  to  act  as  commissioners,  after  the  plan  originally 
adopted  when  Bishop  Polk  and  Bishop  Elliott  undertook 
the  work,  I  feel  sure  that  great  results  would  follow. 
The  patronage  that  is  pressed  upon  us  is  sufficient  to 
demonstrate  the  fact  that  the  hearts  of  the  church  and 
the  country  are  with  us  yet.  We  can  almost  hear  the 
Master's  words,  'stretch  forth  thine  hand,'  and  grasp 
the  opportunity." 

General  Gorgas,  head  master,  made  his  report  covering 
the  work  of  the  previous  year.  The  income  from  the 
Lent  term,  1870,  was  $10,200,  exceeding  the  expenses  of 
the  term  by  $737. 

The  organization  then  consisted  of  a  head  master,  five 
instructors  in  the  junior  department  and  a  master  and 
tutor  of  the  grammar  school.  General  Gorgas  strongly 
recommended  that  the  head  master  and  principal  instruc- 
tors should  be  supplied  with  houses  with  attached 
dormitories,  so  that  the  great  majority  of  students  should 
reside  with  and  be  under  the  charge  of  the  master  and 
instructors. 

He  believed  that  the  system  of  boarding  houses  con- 
templated in  the  statutes  was  not  applicable  to  a  boys' 
school  and  should  not  be  extended,  but  rather  restricted. 
That  the  system  did  not  admit  of  that  constant  supervi- 
sion which  is  essential  to  a  boy's  education. 

That  the  University  students  might  very  well  be 
allowed  the  privileges  and  liberties  contemplated  by  the 
statutes.  He  also  suggested  that  instructors  who  might 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  113 

keep  students,  could  get  along  with  more  moderate 
salaries  than  otherwise,  in  consequence  of  the  benefit 
derived  from  the  boys'  board.  He  recommended  an  in- 
crease of  board  and  tuition  to  $340  for  the  junior  depart- 
ment, and  $320  for  grammar  school  students,  it  having 
been  previously  placed  at  $300.  He  calls  attention  to  the 
need  of  a  grammar  school  study  hall  and  of  other  con- 
veniences, and  that  the  terms  of  office  of  the  instructors 
be  made  more  permanent. 

Mr.  Fairbanks,  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands,  made  his  report.  He  reported  the  erection  of  a 
school  building  on  the  north  side  of  the  chapel  of  one 
story,  fifty-one  feet  long,  twenty-one  feet  wide,  divided  by 
folding  doors  into  three  rooms.  Also  a  dormitory  for 
students  containing  eight  rooms,  part  of  the  house 
since  occupied  by  Bishop  Galleher,  a  dormitory  on  the 
premises  of  General  Gorgas  with  four  rooms,  hall  and 
attic,  occupied  temporarily  by  General  Gorgas.  This:  house, 
afterwards  burned,  stood  on  the  spot  now  occupied  by 
Rt.  Rev.  T.  F.  Gailor.  A  dormitory  on  the  premises  of 
Mrs.  Elliott,  with  four  rooms,  the  house  once  occupied 
by  Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup,  D.  D.,  and  the  foundation  of  a 
dormitory  of  four  rooms  on  the  premises  of  Mrs.  Gotten. 
Also  a  building  in  Manigault  Park,  eighteen  by  thirty 
feet,  used  as  a  study  hall  and  recitation  room.  This 
building  was  afterwards  removed  to  the  rear  of  the 
chapel,  and  is  now  a  part  of  that  group.  Also  a  four-room 
cottage  and  a  two-room  cottage,  connected  with  Tremlett 
Hall,  and  eight  single-room  cottages  on  University 
Avenue,  twelve  by  twelve.  He  reported  the  capacity  of 
all  the  halls  and  dormitories  as  sufficient  for  190  students. 


114  HISTORY    OF    THE 

He  referred  to  the  importance  of  having  a  good  hotel  at 
the  University. 

The  treasurer  reported  $31,481.08  as  received  during 
the  year  for  board,  tuition,  etc.,  and  a  disbursement  of 
129,391.45;  leaving  a  credit  balance  of  $2,089.63.  On 
general  account  he  reported  received  from  Advent  offer 
ings  $1,029.27,  of  which  $352.62  came  from  Texas; 
collections,  through  Kev.  Mr.  Thackara,  $5,965.75;  col- 
lected by  Bishop  Quintard  in  Savannah,  $2,500;  $500 
received  from  Mr.  Jacob  Walburg,  of  Savannah,  and 
$1,875  from  old  subscriptions.  Mr.  Fairbanks,  as 
commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  reported  that  he 
had  visited  Louisiana  to  investigate  the  condition  of  old 
subscriptions  made  through  Bishop  Polk  and  Bishop 
Elliott,  and  that  the  subscriptions  were  principally  from 
the  wealthy  planters  of  Louisiana,  that  the  results  of  the 
war  fell  most  heavily  on  that  class,  depriving  them  of 
their  accumulated  capital  invested  in  their  planting  force, 
and  depreciating  their  lands  and,  in  most  instances,  leav- 
ing them  largely  involved  in  debt.  An  inquiry  into  their 
circumstances  disclosed  the  fact  that  many  had  died 
insolvent,  some  had  gone  into  bankruptcy  and  the 
remainder  much  reduced  in  circumstances.  In  no 
instance  were  the  parties  prepared  to  pay  the  amount  of 
their  obligations.  All  expressed  a  warm  interest  in  the 
institution  and  a  willingness  to  do  what  they  could  if 
their  circumstances  would  permit. 

The  growing  success  of  the  institution  very  naturally 
impressed  upon  the  instructors  the  desire  to  place  it  and 
themselves  in  a  more  desirable  condition.  They  felt  that 
a  grammar  school  and  junior  department,  adopted  as  a 


or  T  .   , 

UNIVER 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  115 

necessary  step  in  the  beginning,  should  give  way  as  early 
as  was  practicable  to  the  organization  of  the  institution 
as  a  University,  in  which  they  should  hold  their  positions 
as  University  professors  instead  of  instructors  in  a 
grammar  school  and  junior  department. 

The  financial  condition  at  the  close  of  the  Lent  term, 
1870,  with  one  hundred  and  forty  students,  and  a  surplus 
income  from  the  school,  seemed  to  them  to  warrant  such 
a  change  at  that  time.  The  committee  of  organization 
consisted  of  Bishop  Wilmer  of  Alabama,  L.  N.  Whittle 
of  Georgia  and  P.  W.  Gray  of  Texas. 

A  committee,  appointed  at  the  meeting  of  the  board  in 
1869  to  report  a  plan  for  conducting  the  operations  of  the 
junior  department,  consisting  of  Bishop  Green,  Rev.  Dr. 
Williams,  General  Gorgas  and  Mr.  Fairbanks,  reported 
that  the  junior  department  should  be  continued  under  a 
head  master,  assisted  by  the  necessary  instructors,  who 
should  be  selected  by  the  vice  chancellor  and  head  master, 
and  nominated  to  the  board  of  trustees,  if  in  session,  and, 
otherwise,  to  the  executive  committee.  The  course  of 
instruction  discipline  of  the  school  and  general  manage- 
ment of  its  operations  to  be  intrusted  to  the  vice  chancel- 
lor and  the  head  master.  That  the  statutes,  so  far  as  they 
were  not  applicable  to  the  junior  department,  should  be 
considered  as  not  in  operation,  especially  so  much  of 
Statute  I  as  relates  to  the  salary  of  the  vice  chancellor; 
Statute  III,  Sections  5  and  6 ;  Statute  VII,  Section  1,  and 
Statutes  VIII  and  IX.  The  report  was  adopted.  The  com- 
mittee on  organization  made  a  report  recommending  the 
immediate  establishment  of  the  following  schools,  viz: 


116  HISTORY    OF    THE 

First.  A  school  of  ancient  languages,  embracing,  for 
the  present,  the  schools  of  Latin  language  and  literature, 
and  of  Greek  language  and  literature,  to  be  under  one 
professor,  with  such  assistance  of  tutors  as  might  be 
needed  and  authorized. 

Second.  A  school  of  modern  languages,  embracing 
the  schools  of  French  language  and  literature,  of  German 
language  and  literature,  of  Spanish  language  and  litera- 
ture and  of  Italian  language  and  literature. 

Third.     A  school  of  mathematics. 

Fourth.  A  school  of  metaphysics,  embracing,  for  the 
present,  the  schools  of  English  language,  of  rhetoric  and 
of  composition,  etc. 

Fifth.    A  school  of  civil  engineering. 

Sixth.     A  school  of  chemistry. 

Seventh.  A  school  of  moral  science  and  the  evidences 
of  the  Christian  religion. 

The  committee  further  recommended  the  establishment 
of  a  primary  school,  when,  in  the  judgment  of  the  vice 
chancellor  and  the  head  master  of  the  junior  department, 
the  establishment  of  such  a  department  should  be  deemed 
expedient. 

The  report  concluded  with  the  following  resolution: 

Kesolved,  That  the  committee  on  organization,  estab- 
lishing schools  in  the  University,  in  part  fulfillment  of 
the  plan  designed  by  the  constitution  and  statutes  be 
adopted. 

The  report  was  signed  by  Bishop  Wilmer  and  Mr. 
Gray;  Colonel  Whittle,  the  other  member,  not  coinciding 
with  the  majority  of  the  committee. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  117 

On  Thursday,  July  14th,  the  report  and  resolution  of 
the  committee  on  organization  came  up  for  consideration. 
The  adoption  of  the  report  and  resolution  was  warmly 
advocated  by  those  who  thought  it  important  that  the 
University  should  be  now  distinctly  organized  as  a 
University  with  all  that  that  implied.  That  it  was  a 
necessary  progressive  step  and  should  no  longer  be 
delayed.  That  we  were  now  quite  well  prepared  for  this 
step  and  that  it  would  involve  no  greater  expense,  while 
it  would  give  to  the  University  the  prestige  and  position 
to  enable  it  to  expand  and  secure  the  sympathy  and 
support  of  the  church. 

Some  of  the  trustees  regarded  this  act  as  premature 
and  believed  it  more  prudent  to  go  on  with  the  school 
as  then  arranged,  and  build  it  up  more  firmly,  and 
acquire  more  solidity  and  strength  before  expanding  into 
the  broader  and,  necessarily,  more  expensive  condition 
of  a  university.  To  comply  with  the  greater  range  of 
instruction  would  need  the  establishing  of  more  schools 
and  departments.  After  a  long  discussion  the  vote  was 
taken  by  orders  and  resulted  in  the  passage  of  the  resolu- 
tion by  the  affirmative  votes  of  the  bishop  of  Mississippi, 
Texas,  Alabama  and  Arkansas.  Nay,  Bishop  Wilmer  of 
Louisiana. 

Of  the  clerical  and  lay  trustees,  Rev.  Dr.  Scott,  Rev. 
Dr.  Eaton,  Rev.  Mr.  Lawson,  Rev.  Mr.  Bradley,  Messrs. 
Kershaw,  Jeffreys,  Dawson,  Duncan,  Pegues,  Gray  and 
Phelan  voted  aye;  and  Rev.  Dr.  Porter,  Rev.  Dr.  Williams, 
Rev.  Dr.  Bannister,  Messrs.  Whittle,  Fairbanks  and 
Anderson,  nay. 

Ayes — bishops,  4;  clerical  and  lay  trustees,  11. 


118  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Nays — bishops,  1;  clerical  and  lay  trustees,  6. 

In  view  of  the  many  financial  difficulties  enhanced  by 
the  expansion  into  a  university  the  writer  is  now,  as 
then,  of  the  opinion  that  the  step  was  somewhat  pre- 
mature and  that  the  situation  would  have  been  better  had 
the  school  been  built  up  to  a  greater  degree  of  strength 
and  solidity  than  it  then  possessed. 

The  vice  chancellor,  Bishop  Quintard,  did  not  partici- 
pate in  the  discussion.  On  the  following  day  the  following 
communication  was  received  from  him. 

To  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South: 
GENTLEMEN  : — I  am  well  pleased  to  learn  that  the 
board  of  trustees  has  taken  a  step  in  advance  and  have 
decided  to  put  the  University  in  operation  as  soon  as 
practicable.  I  believe  that  it  is  a  step  in  the  right  direc- 
tion, and  I  heartily  concur  in  the  action  of  the  board. 
Wishing  to  leave  the  board  perfectly  free  to  take  such 
further  action  as  may  be  required,  I  beg  leave  to  tender 
my  resignation  as  vice  chancellor,  and  am,  with  senti- 
ments of  fraternal  regard,  faithfully  yours, 

C.  T.  QUINTARD. 

The  board  ordered  that  the  bishop  of  Texas  be 
requested  to  convey  to  the  bisihop  of  Tennessee  the  desire 
of  the  board  of  trustees  that  he  withdraw  his  resignation 
as  vice  chancellor,  and  to  assure  him  that  the  board 
highly  appreciates  the  motives  which  dictated  the  tender 
of  his  resignation  at  this  time,  and  considers  the  con- 
tinuance of  his  services  at  present  as  necessary  to  the 
success  of  the  University.  A  resolution  was  passed  that 
the  board  proceed  to  the  election  of  the  professors  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  119 

the  several  schools  established  by  the  board,  such  pro- 
fessors to  hold  office  from  the  time  that  the  organization 
should  have  been  consummated  and  put  in  actual  opera- 
tion, provided  that  the  compensation  of  said  professors, 
as  such,  shall  be  subject  to  the  future  decision  of  the 
board,  by  amendment  of  the  statute  or  otherwise. 

The  executive  committee  reported  that,  under  the 
authority  given  them,  they  had  appointed  the  Rev.  F.  A. 
Shoup,  A.  M.,  instructor  of  mathematics;  Rev.  F.  A. 
Juny,  instructor  of  modern  languages;  John  B.  Elliott, 
M.  D.,  resident  physician  and  instructor  of  chemistry. 
These  appointments  were  confirmed  by  the  board. 

The  board  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  the  pro- 
fessors of  the  various  schools  in  the  University  as  follows : 

School  of  civil  engineering,  construction,  architecture 
and  drawing.  Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas.  School  of  mathe- 
matics, Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup,  A.  M.  School  of  metaphysics, 
Robert  Dabney,  M.  A.  School  of  modern  languages, 
Rev.  F.  A.  Juny,  D.  D.  School  of  chemistry,  John  B. 
Elliott,  M.  D.  School  of  ancient  languages,  Caskie 
Harrison.  The  election  of  a  professor  of  moral  science 
was  postponed  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  board.  A  com- 
mittee of  seven  was  appointed  who  should  immediately, 
upon  the  adjournment  of  the  board,  in  conference  with 
the  vice  chancellor,  head  master  and  professors  elect, 
determine  upon  the  arrangements  for  classes,  etc.,  and 
make  all  such  provisions  as  might  be  necessary  to  carry 
on  the  organization  established  by  the  board,  and  that, 
when  five  members  should  have  agreed  upon  the  time 
and  manner  of  putting  into  operation  the  organization, 
the  executive  committee  (and  three  of  the  professors! 


120  HISTORY    OF    THE 

elect  consenting  thereto)  should  communicate  the  fact 
of  such  agreement  and  consent  to  the  vice  chancellor, 
who  should  thereupon  make  publication  of  the  fact  of 
the  organization  of  the  University,  and  cause  to  be  printed 
one  thousand  copies  of  the  calendar  for  distribution. 

The  bishops  of  Alabama  and  Arkansas,  Drs.  Eaton  and 
Scott,  and  Messrs  Phelan,  Gray  and  Duncan  were 
appointed  on  such  committee.  The  board,  in  anticipa- 
tion of  the  receipts  from  tuition  fees  for  the  ensuing 
year,  appropriated  $15,900  for  salaries  of  professors  and 
instructors,  being  about  $5,000  in  excess  of  amount  paid 
the  previous  year;  thus  illustrating  at  the  outset  the 
increased  expenditure  consequent  upon  the  organization 
of  the  University,  as  such.  It  may  not  be  out  of  place 
here  to  make  some  reference  to  the  gentlemen  who 
composed  the  faculty  of  professors  elected  upon  the 
organization  of  the  University. 

Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas,  professor  of  engineering,  was  a 
graduate  of  West  Point,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
long  connected  with  the  ordnance  department  of  the 
United  States  army.  At  the  opening  of  hostilities  in  the 
Civil  War  he  cast  his  lot  with  the  South  and  attained  the 
rank  of  chief  of  ordnance  and  brigadier-general. 

He  acquired  a  very  high  reputation  for  his  splendid 
management  of  his  department,  creating  for  the  Con- 
federacy an  abundant  supply  of  the  munitions  of  war. 
He  was  very  highly  esteemed  by  President  Davis  and 
General  Lee,  who  both  furnished  very  strong  indorse- 
ments of  his  fitness  for  the  head  mastership  of  the  junior 
departtaent.  He  remained  at  the  University  until  1878, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  121 

when  he  became  connected  with  the  University  of 
Alabama  until  his  death  in  1883. 

Professor  F.  A.  Shoup,  D.  D.,  professor  of  mathematics, 
was  educated  at  West  Point,  a  native  of  the  State  of 
Indiana,  and  resigned  from  the  United  States  army  in 
1861,  and  tendered  his  services  to  the  Confederate 
Government  at  Montgomery,  was  attached  to  the  staff 
of  General  Bragg,  afterwards  assigned  to  duty  in 
Arkansas,  again  connected  with  the  army  of  Tennessee, 
was  chief  of  staff  to  General  Johnson  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign,  holding  the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  After 
the  war  he  was  a  professor  in  the  University  of  Missis- 
sippi, and  was  invited  to  take  the  chair  of  mathematics 
in  this  University,  which  he  accepted  and  held  until  1875, 
when  he  resigned  and  was  occupied  in  parish  work  until 
1883,  when  he  accepted  the  chair  of  engineering  and 
physics,  and  subsequently  added  the  acting  professorship 
of  mathematics,  until  1893,  when,  upon  thfe  death  of 
Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  he  was  elected  to  the  chair  of 
mathematics  and  acting  professor  of  metaphysics. 

Professor  Robert  Dabney,  L.  L.  D.,  professor  of  meta- 
physics, was  a  native  of  Virginia,  a  distinguished  graduate 
of  the  University  of  Virginia,  master  of  arts  and  doctor 
of  laws.  Professor  Dabney  was  connected  with  the 
institution  from  its  opening  in  September,  1868,  until 
his  lamented  death  on  April  1st,  1876.  He  was  held  in 
very  high  esteem  by  his  colleagues,  and  much  beloved  by 
the  students  of  the  University. 

Rev.  F.  A.  Juny,  D.  D.,  professor  of  modern  languages, 
a  native  of  France,  and  a  clergyman  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  very  creditably  filled  the  chair  of  modern  Ian- 


122  HISTORY    OF    THE 

guages  from  1870  until  July,  1872,  when  he  went  to 
the  University  of  Mississippi,  and  died  a  few  years  after- 
wards. 

Dr.  John  B.  Elliott,  a  son  of  Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott, 
Bishop  of  Georgia,  came  to  the  University  in  September, 
1869,  as  instructor  in  chemistry  and  resident  physician, 
was  elected,  in  1870,  to  the  chair  of  chemistry,  which  he 
most  ably  filled  until  1885,  when  he  resigned  to  occupy 
the  chair  of  theory  and  practice  of  medicine  in  Tulane 
University,  New  Orleans,  which  position  he  still  occupies. 
His  separation  from  the  faculty  of  the  University  was 
very  greatly  regretted  by  the  trustees,  the  faculty  and  the 
students.  No  one  connected  with  the  University  has1 
probably  ever  accomplished  more  to  raise  its  standard 
and  to  enlist  the  enthusiasm  of  the  student  body. 

Professor  Caskie  Harrison,  Ph.  D.,  a  native  of  Virginia, 
was  partly  educated  at  Cambridge  University,  England. 
He  possessed  a  great  aptitude  and  thorough  knowledge 
of  Latin  and  Greek  literature.  He  was  the  youngest  of 
the  professors,  but  was  greatly  respected  for  his  fine 
scholarship  and  thorough  work  in  his  classes.  He 
resigned  in  August,  1882,  and  removed  to  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
where  he  established  a  very  successful  classical  school. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  12 J 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

The  action  of  the  board  in  reference  to  leases  of  the  domain — 
The  separation  of  the  grammar  school  from  the  other  depart- 
ments and  its  organization — Litigation  in  the  matter  of 
titles  to  lands — The  E.  Q.  B.  Club. 

1871. 

THE  number  of  leases  granted  by  the  University, 
reported  up  to  July,  1870,  was  thirty-nine.  The  com- 
mittee appointed  in  1870  to  report  upon  the  whole  matter 
of  the  disposition  of  the  domain  belonging  to  the  Univer- 
sity reported  a  series  of  rules  and  regulations,  the 
first  of  which  was  that  no  part  of  the  domain  should 
ever  be  alienated.  This  was  a  most  judicious  rule,  and 
was  intended  to  retain  for  all  time  the  domain  intact,  so 
as  to  always  keep  under  the  control  of  the  University  all 
the  safeguards  which  the  possession  of  so  large  a  domain 
would  enable  them  absolutely  to  maintain,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable  of  the  many  advantages  secured  by 
the  election  of  Sewanee  as  the  site  of  the  University. 
There  have  been  efforts,  from  time  to  time,  to  obtain 
a  relaxation  or  change  of  this  regulation,  and  there  will 
be,  doubtless,  hereafter,  some  persons  who  will  advocate 
selling  a  large  part  of  the  domain  to  raise  funds,  or  to 
secure  some  object  deemed  desirable.  So  far  the  unani- 
mous feeling  and  action  of  the  board  of  trustees  has 
been  in  favor  of  retaining  this  as  a  perpetual  and  funda- 
mental rule  and  principle. 


124  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  second  rule  provided  that  in  all  leases  of  ground 
within  the  one-thousand-acre  reserve,  the  size  of  lots,  the 
character  of  improvement  thereon,  and  extent  of  clearing 
(in  no  case,  to  exceed  one- third  of  the  leased  premises), 
should  be  a  matter  of  special  arrangement  with  the  com- 
missioner of  buildings  and  lands,  and  of  the  executive 
committee.  The  annual  rental  to  be  twenty-five  dollars, 
and  no  leases  to  encroach  on  the  sites  hitherto  designated 
for  college  buildings.  This  regulation  prohibiting  the 
clearing  off  the  forest  trees  from  over  one-third  of  the 
leased  premises,  was  intended  to  prevent  the  denudation 
of  the  soil,  the  removing  of  the  shade  trees,  which  con- 
tribute so  much  to  the  beauty  and  appearance  of  the 
grounds,  and  avoiding  the  injurious  effect  upon  the  water 
supply,  by  percolation,  which  undoubtedly  forms  the 
source  of  the  supply  of  our  springs.  The  regulation  as 
to  the  character  of  the  improvements  was  a  most  wise 
and  timely  one  intended  and  operating  to  prevent  the 
putting  up  of  cheap  and  flimsy  cabins  or  structures, 
calculated  to  mar  and  injure  the  appearance  of  the 
University  grounds.  The  limit  which  has  generally  been 
imposed  in  the  leases  granted  was  that  improvements  of 
not  less  than  f  800  or  f  1,000  in  value  should  be  put  on  the 
leased  premises.  The  consequence  has  been  that  the 
residence  portion  of  Sewanee  has  been  built  up  with 
attractive  homes,  improved  grounds,  an  abundance  of 
shade  trees  and  pleasant  surroundings,  and  has  escaped 
the  roughness  and  uncouthness  of  the  pioneer  stage  of 
most  communities.  These  restrictions  did  not  apply  to 
the  Sewanee  station  or  village  to  the  same  extent,  as  to 
cost  of  improvements.  Another  provision  was  that  all 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  125 

storehouses  and  workshops  should  be  confined  to  the 
limits  of  the  depot  village.  A  regulation  was  adopted 
that  no  timber  outside  the  lots  leased  should,  in  any  case, 
be  cut  without  permission  of  the  commissioner  of  build- 
ings and  lands.  That  all  springs  within  a  radius  of  not 
less  than  fifty  feet  and  a  right  of  way  should  forever  be 
reserved  from  lease.  That  no  lease  should  extend  beyond 
the  term  of  thirty-three  years,  but  was  accompanied  with 
the  privilege  of  renewal  for  two  equal  terms.  That!  no 
lessee  should  be  allowed  to  sell  intoxicating  liquors, 
permit  gambling,  or  suffer  any  business  to  be  conducted 
on  such  leased  premises  injurious  to  the  interest  and 
general  welfare  of  the  University,  and  that  no  leases 
should  be  given  or  any  privileges  allowed  in  connection 
with  the  University  domain  which  shall  in  any  way 
conflict  with  the  objects  had  in  view  in  the  establishment 
of  the  University,  or  hinder  the  godly  designs  of  its 
founders. 

The  recommendations  of  the  committee  were  adopted, 
and  the  disposition  of  the  domain  has  ever  since  been 
conducted  on  these  lines  with  some  additional  require- 
ments and  restrictions  as  to  sanitary  matters,  and  with  a 
small  increase  of  the  rental  to  be  paid.  The  committee 
on  ways  and  means  reported  that  there  was  a  necessity 
for  the  erection  of  certain  buildings  and  improvements, 
the  cost  of  which  would  be  $8,250,  the  principal  items 
of  which  were  an  additional  school  building,  residence 
for  the  head  master,  another  dormitory,  a  laundry,  an 
infirmary,  etc. 

They  recommended  as  a  means  for  raising  funds  that 
the  trustees  in  every  diocese  be  earnestly  requested  to 


126  HISTORY    OF    THE 

procure  at  least  one  hundred  subscriptions  of  $100  each, 
payable  one-tenth  cash  and  balance  in  installments 
at  ten  per  cent  annually.  They  recommended  that  the 
bishops  of  Tennessee  and  Alabama  be  appointed  com- 
missioners to  carry  out  this  plan.  Their  recommenda- 
tions  were  adopted.  The  vice  chancellor  called  the  atten- 
tion of  the  board  to  the  desire  of  a  number  of  the  students 
to  be  organized  into  a  regular  military  company,  and 
asked  the  opinion  of  the  board. 

The  board  authorized  the  vice  chancellor  to  take  such 
action  in  the  matter  as  he  deemed  best,  as  a  consequence 
of  which  the  authority  to  form  a  military  company  was 
given. 

A  committee  of  five,  consisting  of  the  bishops  of 
Tennessee,  Florida,  Texas  and  Arkansas  and  General 
Gorgas,  was  appointed  to  consider  the  whole  matter  of 
the  University  costume  and  badges  of  the  different  schol- 
astic degrees,  to  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  board. 
The  bishop  of  Tennessee  and  General  Gorgas  were  con- 
tinued as  the  executive  committee  for  the  coming  year. 

The  committee  of  nine  appointed  to  carry  into  effect 
the  organization  of  the  University  schools  met  on  the 
18th  July,  and  requested  the  attendance  of  the  professors- 
elect,  who  were  severally  requested  to  answer,  in  writing, 
a  series  of  questions  embracing  the  following  points :  As 
to  the  best  mode  of  organizing  a  grammar  school  in  rela- 
tion to  the  several  schools  of  the  University.  As  to 
the  time  when  the  organization  of  the  schools  should  take 
place.  As  to  the  difference  in  discipline  to  be  made 
between  the  grammar  school  and  the  University  students. 
As  to  the  latitude  in  choice  of  studies  to  be  allowed 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  127 

students  in  the  more  advanced  classes.  As  to  the 
character  and  extent  of  studies  in  grammar  school, 
whether  English  only,  or  also  elementary  Latin  and 
Greek,  and  what  proficiency  should  be  required  to  enter 
advanced  schools.  As  to  whether  it  might  not1  be  practi- 
cable, through  the  intervention  of  tutors,  to  accomplish 
what  is  ordinarily  accomplished  through  separate  depart- 
ments, As  to  the  rule  to  be  allowed  in  the  prouncia- 
tion  of  Latin  and  Greek.  What  additional  recitation 
rooms  would  be  needed.  As  to  the  best  mode  of  providing 
for  the  difference  in  discipline  necessitated  by  the 
different  ages  and  habits  of  the  students.  Also  to  pre- 
sent a  course  of  study,  and  list  of  text  books,  each  for 
his  own  school,  beginning  with  the  most  elementary  in 
the  grammar  school.  The  original  questions  and  answers 
are  on  file  in  the  archives  of  the  University,  and  exhibited 
a  marked  degree  of  unanimity  upon  every  material 
question.  The  committee,  after  full  discussion  and  con- 
sideration, agreed  upon  the  following  scheme  of  organiza- 
tion: 

That  there  be  established  a  grammar  school  as  the 
"Primary  Department  of  the  University  of  the  South." 
That  the  six  chairs  for  which  professors  have  been  chosen, 
viz:  civil  engineering,  mathematics,  metaphysics,  modern 
languages,  chemistry  and  ancient  languages:,  be  put  in 
operation,  and  that  there  be  no  department  between  the 
grammar  school  and  the  established  schools  of  the 
University.  That  the  minimum  course  of  study  to  be 
pursued  by  students  in  the  grammar  school  should  be 
catechistical  instruction  in  the  Prayer  Book  and  Holy 
Scriptures,  spelling,  reading,  writing,  English  composi- 


128  HISTORY    OF    THE 

tion,  geography,  history,  mental  arithmetic,  practical 
arithmetic  and  elementary  algebra,  bookkeeping,  elemen- 
tary instruction  in  chemistry,  physics  and  natural  science, 
Latin  grammar  as  far  as  syntax,  with  the  Latin  reader, 
elementary  Greek  grammar  and  reader. 

That,  in  accordance  with  the  written  opinion  of  the 
professors  elect,  the  several  schools  should  be  put  in 
immediate  operation.  That,  until  the  next  meeting  of 
the  board  of  trustees.  General  Gorgas  should  fcave 
authority  over  the  whole  University.  That  the  first 
scholastic  term  should  end  the  21st  of  December  and  the 
second  term  begin  on  the  21st  of  March. 

General  Gorgas  was  requested  to  telegraph  the  vice 
chancellor  as  follows:  "Immediate  organization  agreed 
upon  by  the  entire  committee  and  four  professors,  General 
Gorgas  acquiesces,  Elliott  absent,  your  concurrence 
needed;  answer."  To  which  the  vice  chancellor,  Bishop 
Quintard,  answered,  "I  cordially  concur." 

During  the  fall  and  winter  the  recommendations  of  the 
finance  committee  in  reference  to  obtaining  endowment 
notes,  payable  by  installments,  was  carried  partially  into 
effect.  Notes  to  the  amount  of  |6,215  were  given  in 
Texas,  $3,475  in  Alabama,  $3,440  in  Louisiana,  $1,500 
in  Tennessee,  $1,000  in  Georgia  and  $580  in  South 
Carolina,  making  an  aggregate  of  $16,210;  upon  which 
the  cash  payments  of  ten  per  cent,  amounting  to  $2,623, 
was  received.  The  Advent  offerings  for  the  year  1870 
amounted  to  $2,068.97. 

This  was  far  short  of  the  $100,000  anticipated  in 
endowment  notes  by  the  finance  committee,  but  was  a 
great  help  towards  meeting  the  increased  expenditures 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  129 

of  the  University.  At  the  June  term  (1871)  of  the 
chancery  court  at  Winchester,  Tenn.,  an  amendment  to 
the  charter  was  granted  to  the  chancellor,  acting  under 
the  provision  of  an  act  of  the  legislature  authorizing 
chancery  courts  to  grant  amendments  to  charters,  by 
which  a  code  of  municipal  regulations  was  established, 
with  the  power  to  appoint  municipal  officers,  marshal, 
recorder,  etc.  The  power  to  exercise  municipal  privileges 
had  been  granted  by  the  amendment  made  in  1800  to  the 
original  charter. 

In  the  Trinity  term,  1870,  thirty  students,  and  in  the 
Lent  term,  1871,  eighty-one  students  matriculated. 

The  committee  of  nine  elected  Rev.  Samuel  S.  Harris 
of  Columbus,  Ga.,  afterwards  rector  of  Trinity  Church, 
ftew  Orleans,  and  subsequently  elected  bishop  of  Michi- 
gan, as  chaplain  to  the  University,  which  appointment 
was  declined.  In  November,  1871,  the  parish  of  St.  Pauls- 
on-the-Mountain  was  organized  at  Sewanee. 

The  E.  Q.  B.  club,  composed  of  the  professors,  officers 
and  gentleman  resident  at  Sewanee,  was  organized  in 
1870.  Hon.  John  D.  Phelan  was  the  first  president  and 
G.  B.  Fairbanks,  secretary.  It  has  kept  up  its  organiza- 
tion ever  since,  meeting  bi-monthly  as  a  literary  and  social 
club.* 

*The  name  of  E.  Q.  B.  w&s  suggested  by  General  Gorgas,  being 
the  initial  letters  of  the  motto  attached  by  Bishop  Lay  to  then 
pamphlet  containing  the  proceedings  of  the  board  of  trustees  at 
lookout  Mountain,  "Ecce  quam  bonum"  being  the  title  words 
of  the  133d  Psalm  in  the  Prayer  Book.  The  E.  Q.  B.  has  among 
its  wise  regulations  one,  that  University  matters  shall  not  be 
discussed  in  the  club.  It  has  maintained  its  interesting  feature 


130  HISTORY    OF    THE 

In  the  fall  of  1871  a  grammar  school  study  hall  was 
erected  on  the  south  side  of  the  chapel,  three-fourths  of 
the  cost  of  which  was  contributed  by  P.  W.  Gray,  Esq., 
of  Texas.  A  building  originally  erected  where  the  con- 
vocation house  now  stands  was  moved  to  the  rear  of  the 
chapel  for  a  recitation  room. 

During  the  fall  of  1870  a  residence  had  been  erected 
for  the  head  master  on  the  lot  opposite  the  chapel,  which 
was  occupied  by  General  Gorgas  while  he  remained  at 
the  University,  and  became  his  property  by  purchase. 
Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  purchased  it  from  General  Gorgas  in 
1878.  A  house  had  been  built  in  1869  by  Dr.  Vaughan 
of  Mississippi  on  a  lot  on  University  Avenue,  where  the 
Kappa  Sigma  Fraternity  Hall  once  stood.  It  was 
occupied  first  by  General  Gorgas  and  Rev.  Dr.  Shoup, 
and  subsequently  by  Professor  Dabney  up  to  the  time  of 
his  decease,  and  was  afterwards  destroyed  by  fire. 

During  the  year  1870  a  suit  in  ejectment  was  brought 
against  the  University  by  persons  claiming,  as  the  heirs 
of  G.  W.  Thompson,  some  1,500  acres  of  the  central 
portion  of  the  domain,  on  which  our  buildings  were 
placed,  and  by  far  the  most  valuable  portion  of  our  lands. 
The  claim  was  based  upon  prior  entry  and  grants  from 

of  leads  by  its  members  in  rotation  upon  topics  of  general 
Interest,  followed  by  a  free  discussion  of  the  subject  presented. 
The  club  has  a  pleasant  clubhouse,  well  supplied  with  reviews, 
magazines  and  leading  newspapers.  Strangers  are  always  hospi- 
tably received.  For  some  years  the  meetings  of  the  club  were 
.  held  in  private  houses,  subsequently  a  clubhouse  was  built  in 
the  rear  of  the  present  medicinal  department,  and,  in  1899,  the 
club  secured  the  permanent  use  and  occupancy  of  the  second 
story  of  the  new  stone  supply  store  on  the  avenue. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  131 

the  State  of  Tennessee.  The  University  was  tihus,  in 
addition  to  other  difficulties,  involved  in  litigation  as 
to  the  title  to  its  lands.  There  were  defects  in  the  title 
of  the  Thompson  heirs  which  afforded  grounds  for  a 
vigorous  contest,  and  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands  entered  heartily  and  vigorously  into  a  defense  of 
the  University  title.  In  the  following  year  this  suit 
was  compromised  by  the  payment  of  one  dollar  per  acre 
for  the  interests  of  the  Thompson  heirs  in  the  land  in 
controversy.  Mr.  J.  W.  Hayes,  of  New  York,  had  leased 
a  tract  of  land  from  the  University  for  the  purpose 
of  planting  out  fruit  orchards,  vegetable  grounds, 
etc.  He  held  very  decided  views  upon  the  subject  of 
Christian  education,  and  was  attracted  to  visit  the 
University  in  consequence  of  its  being  based  upon  the 
ideas  which  he  had  long  entertained.  He  used  his  means 
very  freely  in  advancing  the  material  interests  of  the 
University,  furnished  the  means  on  credit  for  erecting 
boarding  halls  and  private  residences,  and,  during  the 
year  1870,  put  up  a  large  steam  sawmill  with  working 
machinery,  which  greatly  facilitated  the  growth  of 
Sewanee.  The  mill  was  put  up  on  the  stream  leading 
into  Lost  Cove,  about  three-eighths  of  a  mile  southeast 
of  the  station,  and  destroyed  by  fire  a  year  later. 


132  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Bishop  Quintard's  views  as  to  the  religious  character  and 
demands  of  the  University — Increase  in  students'  leases  and 
residences — Statement  of  the  intentions  of  the  founders  as  to 
the  buildings. 

1871. 

AT  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  on  July  12th, 
1871,  there  were  present  Bishops  Green,  Gregg,  Wilmer 
of  Alabama,  Quintard,  Beckwith  and  Young,  with  five 
clerical  and  eight  lay  trustees. 

Bishop  Quintard  made  his  report,  the  following  extract 
from  which  is  particularly  worthy  of  a  permanent  record 
because  there  has  been,  at  times,  a  disposition  to  some- 
what minimize  the  religious  and  churchly  character 
impressed  upon  it  by  its  founders: 

Said  the  Bishop,  "The  founders  of  the  University  of  the 
South,  moved  by  a  holy  impulse,  determined  to  build 
up  an  institution  of  learning  which,  while  it  should  meet 
the  largest  demands  of  the  age  in  all  matters  of  polite 
learning  and  scientific  research,  should  at  the  same  time 
nuture  the  youth  of  the  South  in  the  principles  of  our 
holy  religion  and  in  the  high  culture  of  God's  Holy 
Catholic  Church.  I  know,  right  reverend  gentlemen  of  the 
board  of  trustees,  that  it  is  hardly  necessary  for  me  to 
press  these  truths  upon  your  consideration.  But  I  do 
desire  to  record  my  own  sense  of  the  wisdom  and  forecast 
displayed  by  the  holy  men  who  laid  the  cornerstone  of 
the  noble  edifice  on  which  we  are  only  day  laborers, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  133 

and  I  say  if  we  are  to  succeed  to  the  full  with  this 
glorious  undertaking,,  if,  in  any  sense,  we  are  to  redeem 
the  pledge  to  which  we  stand  bound  by  accepting  the 
charge  of  trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South,  we 
must  work  for  it  in  the  spirit  of  its  founders,  and  consider 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  church  by  the  practice 
of  daily,  morning  and  evening  prayer;  by  the  celebration 
of  all  the  church's  holy  festivals  and  the  recognition  of 
her  solemn  fasts;  by  the  regular  administration  of  the 
most  comfortable  sacrament  of  the  body  and  blood  of 
Christ  as  essential  to  the  validity  of  a  Christian  educa- 
tion. 

"We  know  that  the  seed  which  is  thus  planted  will 
produce  fruit.  We  know  that  the  power  of  daily  prayer 
will  make  itself  felt.  Like  the  dew  of  the  morning  on 
the  flowers,  it  extends  the  sweetness  of  its  influence  over 
the  thoughts,  words,  and  actions  of  the  day,  shines  out 
'in  the  small  sweet  courtesies  of  life'  and  sanctifies  the 
daily  duties  of  youth  and  full-grown  manhood.  And  this 
holy  influence  must  make  the  supreme  controlling  power 
by  which  the  character  of  our  students  shall  be  moulded. 
From  the  time  that  the  morning  bell  first  calls  us  from 
our  beds,  to  the  time  when  the  same  bell  tolls  the  curfew 
of  departing  day,  and  consigns  us  to  rest,  each  with 
his  own  account  of  duties  and  negligences  recorded  in 
the  Book  of  God,  and  by  its1  wholesome  restraints  upon 
us  guards  the  watches  of  the  night  that  no  evils  may 
come  near  us,  this  influence  of  God's  Holy  Church  must 
be  all-prevailing,  all-controlling  and  governing  power  by 
which  discipline  shall  be  maintained,  and  the  whole 
school  life  be  ordered." 


134  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  committee  of  nine  on  organization,  appointed  in 
1870,  made  the  report  of  their  action  in  reference  to  tfie 
organization  of  the  schools  of  the  University  and  the 
grammar  school,  which  were  adopted  by  the  board. 

They  recommended  the  adoption  of  an  amendment  to 
Article  1,  of  the  Constitution  as  follows : 

"Article  1.  This  University  shall  be  called  the  'Univer- 
sity of  the  South/  and  shall,  in  all  its  parts,  be  under  the 
sole  and  perpetual  direction  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  represented  through  a  board  of  trustees;  and  the 
Book  of  Common  Prayer,  authorized  by  said  Church, 
shall  be  the  standard  of  faith  and  worship  therein;  and 
no  person  shall  exercise  the  functions  of  instructor  and 
ruler  in  this  University  until  he  subscribe  the  following 
declaration :  'I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  Word  of  God,  and  to 
contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation,  and  I  do 
solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doctrines  and  worship 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the  United 
States/  " 

The  board  of  trustees  amended  the  proposed  amend- 
ment by  inserting  after  the  word  "University"  in  the 
following  sentence:  "And  no  person  shall  exercise  the 
function  of  instructor  and  ruler  in  this  University  unless 
he  be  a  communicant  of  the  Church."  Thus  amended,  it 
passed  apparently  without  discussion.  The  following 
year  the  proposed  amendment  of  Article  1  of  the  Constitu- 
tion was  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  board  by  the 
committee  on  unfinished  business,  but  was  not  called  up 
again  and  remained  unacted  upon  and,  of  course,  failed 
of  adoption. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  135 

The  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  made  his 
report,  stating  that  forty -one  leases  had  been  executed 
during  tfhe  previous  year.  That  the  number  of  families 
establishing  themselves  on  the  domain  who  were  both 
willing  and  desirous  of  receiving  students  as  boarders 
was  increasing  to  such  an  extent  as  to  render  it  unneces- 
sary for  the  University  to  make  any  further  expenditure 
for  boarding  houses.  He  expressed  the  opinion  tfhat  it 
was  very  desirable  that  one  of  the  permanent  buildings 
should  be  put  up  as  an  earnest  of  the  great  work  upon 
which  they  had  entered,  of  establishing  on  the  largest 
and  broadest  plan  the  University  of  the  South.  That, 
either  by  individual  beneficence  or  general  effort,  it  was 
to  be  hoped  that  means  would  be  provided  before  another 
year  to  commence  one  of  the  colleges  or  schools  designed 
by  the  founders.  That  the  cost  of  such  a  building  need 
not  exceed  $25,000,  built  of  our  own  beautiful  freestone. 
He  states  "that  there  are  many  reasons  which  make  this 
plan  of  separate  or  detached  college  buildings  advisable. 
That  while  one  grand  and  lordly  pile  might  please  the 
eye  by  its  architectural  effect,  safety  from  destruction 
by  fire,  convenience,  economy  in  cost  of  construction, 
separation  of  special  and  technical  schools,  and  extending 
the  work  of  the  building  over  a  long  period  of  time, 
enabling  the  adoption  of  more  complete  modes  of  con- 
struction— all  evince  the  wisdom  of  the  original  plans 
agreed  upon,  of  erecting  from  time  to  time  buildings  of 
moderate  size,  in  different  styles  of  architecture,  affording 
a  pleasing  variety  adapted  to  the  various  purposes  for 
which  they  were  required."  He  reported  that!  he  had 
been  enabled,  from  the  various  data  in  his  possession, 


136  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  construct  a  large  map  of  the  domain,  upon  a  scale  of 
four  hundred  feet  to  the  inch,  on  which  all  the  locations 
of  leased  lots  up  to  that  period  were  shown,  and  also  a 
plan  of  the  location  and  arrangement  of  the  University 
buildings  as  contemplated  by  the  founders.  The  committee 
on  finance  gave  a  statement  of  the  income  and  expendi- 
tures of  the  treasury,  and  recommended  the  continuance 
of  the  plan  of  coupon  and  endowment  notes,  and  of  the 
Advent  offerings. 

The  committee  of  ways  and  means  reported,  and 
assumed  that  at  least  $25,000  would  be  realized  to  pay 
teachers  and  officers;  and  recommended  that  an  addition 
be  made  to  the  corps  of  teachers  and  increase  of  salaries, 
and  that  the  sons  of  teachers  and  officers  of  the  University 
have  free  tuition  and  sons  of  the  clergy  half  rates.  They 
reported  against  a  proposed  plan  of  insurance  endowment 
and  sale  of  scholarships;  and  said  that  they  were  more 
than  ever  persuaded  that  we  should,  for  the  present,  carry 
out  existing  measures  for  raising  funds  in  addition  to 
the  general  work  instrusted  to  the  commissioners,  instead 
of  resorting  to  other  instrumentalities  which,  in  their 
opinion,  by  multiplying  agencies  would  only  serve  to 
render  the  whole  less  effective,  and  complicate  our  efforts 
at  the  expense  of  success.  They  went  on  to  say,  very 
wisely,  I  think,  "Pastoral  letters,  appeals  to  be  read  to 
congregations,  a  general  division  of  responsibility  and 
tsecond-hand  effort,  may  do  very  well  in  their  place 
and  under  other  circumstances,  but  will  ever  fail  here  a* 
they  have  ever  done  in  the  matter  of  raising  funds. 
Single,  persevering  effort  by  personal  contact  is  indis- 
pensable. There  must  be  work,  earnest,  untiring  indi- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  137 

f iduai  work,  or  we  will  ever  fail  to  meet  our  responsibility 
here." 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  was  the  faithful,  earnest 
and  tried  friend  of  the  University,  Bishop  Gregg  of 
Texas.  The  records  of  the  University  show  that  for  very 
many  years  the  good  Bishop  made  an  appeal  personally 
and  received  a  collection  annually  in  every  parish  and 
mission  in  his  diocese ;  and  of  the  coupon  and  endowment 
notes  received  in  1870  and  1871  the  longest  list  and 
largest  amount  came  from  Texas — the  Advent  collection 
amounting  to  $680.49,  and  the  coupon  notes  to  $6,215. 

An  equal  amount  from  the  other  nine  dioceses  would 
have  raised  an  Advent  offering  of  $6,800  and  endow- 
ment notes  aggregating  $62,000,  or  nearly  $70,000  in 
all,  if  the  same  systematic,  individual  effort  and  work 
had  been  exerted  in  all  the  ten  dioceses,  and,  moreover, 
Texas  furnished  more  than  ten  per  cent  of  all  the  students. 
The  committee,  appointed  in  1870,  reported  upon  the 
whole  subject  of  costumes  and  badges,  recommending 
that  all  undergraduates  be  required  to  wear  the  scholastic 
cap  and  gown.  This  was  modified  subsequently  so  as- 
to  apply  only  to  the  advanced  students  designated  as 
gownsmen. 

That  the  instructors  were  to  wear  a  similar  dress, 
though  of  different  fashion  to  indicate  their  rank,  with 
cap  and  hood  of  this  University  pertaining  to  their 
degrees. 

The  dress  of  the  vice  chancellor  to  be  a  crimson  robe, 
faced  with  black,  corresponding  to  the  use  of  Cambridge, 
England,  and  the  chancellor  a  royal  purple  robe  faced 


138  HISTORY    OF    THE 

with  gold,  similar  to  that  of  the  vice  chancellor,  but 
richer  in  details  of  finish. 

That  professors  who  were  degree  men  of  other  colleges 
could  wear  the  hoods  of  their  respective  colleges. 

The  bishop  of  Florida  was  requested  to  prepare  a  seal 
which,  if  it  was  approved  by  the  bishops  of  the  board, 
should  be  the  seal  of  the  University. 

The  seal  was  designed  by  Rev.  J.  H.  Hopkins,  D.  D.,  of 
piscina  shape.  The  initial  letters  of  the  dioceses  in  the 
links  of  a  catena  on  the  inside  of  the  legend  University 
of  the  South,  a  dove  with  rays  of  light  descending  on  a 
Latin  cross  in  the  center. 

The  committee  on  buildings  and  lands  recommended 
that  all  leases  should  contain  a  clause  prohibiting  the 
erection  of  any  house  of  Worship,  chapel,  or  church  build- 
ing on  the  premises  without  the  consent  of  the  board  of 
trustees;  which  recommendation  was  adopted. 

The  bishops  present  in  the  board  offered  a  resolution 
providing  that  a  theological  department  be  inaugurated, 
to  consist,  at  present,  of  a  chair  of  systematic  divinity, 
a  chair  of  moral  science  and  evidences  of  revealed 
religion,  and  a  chair  of  Hebrew. 

They  further  reported  that  they  had  taken  action  for 
the  future  conduct  of  divine  worship  in  the  chapel  of  the 
University.  Bishop  Quintard,  General  Gorgas  and  Mr. 
G.  R.  Fairbanks  were  appointed  the  executive  committee 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  Rev.  S.  S.  Harris,  having  declined  the  chaplaincy 
in  1870,  Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup  continued  to  act  as  chaplain 
up  to  July,  1871. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  13f 

The  bishops  selected  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  of  South 
Carolina,  as  chaplain,  and  the  board  unanimously  con- 
firmed the  nomination.  Rev.  Dr.  DuBose  continued  as 
chaplain  of  the  University  until  July,  1883,  when  he 
resigned  the  office.  Dr.  DuBose  had  served  in  the  war 
between  the  States,  had  undergone  the  hardships  of  a 
prisoner  of  war,  and  had  achieved  a  high  position  in  his 
native  State  when  he  afterwards  entered  the  ranks  of  her 
ministry.  In  the  election  for  a  successor  to  Bishop  Davis 
he  received  the  majority  of  votes  of  one  order,  and, 
during  the  period  of  his  chaplaincy  and  as  a  professor 
of  the  school  of  moral  science,  he  earned  the  admiration, 
love  and  respect  of  the  officers  and  students  of  the 
University. 

The  number  of  students  matriculating  in  Trinity  term, 

1870,  was  thirty,  and  in  Lent  term,  1871,  was  eighty-one. 
Forty-eight  students  matriculated  in  Trinity  term,  1871, 
making  the  whole  number  of  matriculants  for  the  year, 

1871,  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine.    During  the  fall  term, 
1871,  and  spring  term,  1872,  a  very  great  advance  was 
made  in  the  material  growth  of  Sewanee.     The  comimis- 
sioner  of  buildings  and  lands  reported  forty-three  lots 
having  been  leased  during  the  year   ending  July  1,  1872. 

That  there  was  no  necessity  for  additional  dormitories 
being  erected,  as  the  requirements  of  the  University  were 
fully  met  by  the  increase  of  resident  families  licensed  to 
board  students. 

That  the  chapel  had  been  enlarged  by  adding  transepts 
to  the  nave,  a  chaplain's  room  and  extensions  of  the- 
chancel,  but  that  still  further  enlargements  would  soon 
be  necessary. 


140  HISTORY    OF    THE 

During  this  year  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose  erected  a  cottage 
east  of  the  chapel,  and  also,  on  the  adjoining  lot,  Palmetto 
Hall,  a  large  boarding  house  with  accommodations  for 
thirty  students.  Mrs.  E.  M.  Polk  built  a  large  boarding 
house  on  the  street  east  of  University  Avenue,  and 
Mrs.  S.  E.  Gotten  erected  the  Gotten  House.  Mr.  Hayes 
built  a  house  for  the  use  of  a  professor  on  the 
east  side  of  the  same  street  as  Mrs.  Polk's,  which  was 
first  occupied  by  Professor  Dabney.  The  commissioner 
reported  the  rental  of  leased  lots  as  amounting  to 
f2,000  per  annum,  and  of  leased  buildings  at  $1,200. 

Further  litigation  in  reference  to  our  land  titles  sprung 
up  this  year,  instituted  by  Wallace  Estell,  Jr.,  et.  al.,  to 
set  aside  a  decree  of  partition  made  by  the  chancery 
court  in  1860  between  the  University  and  the  Sewanee 
Mining  Company,  Estell  heirs,  et.  al.  This  suit,  after 
lingering  in  the  court  for  some  years,  was  decided  in 
favor  of  the  University.  The  commissioner,  in  his  report 
made  to  the  board  of  trustees  at  the  annual  meeting  in 
July,  1872,  says,  "as  the  plans  of  the  founders  of  the 
University  in  reference  to  the  buildings  nowhere  appear 
in  our  printed  journals,  and  having  been  one  of  the 
committee  having  this  subject  in  charge,  and  being  the 
only  member  of  that  committee  now  a  member  of  the 
board,  I  deem  it  not  inappropriate  to  briefly  explain  their 
plan. 

"They  did  not  propose  to  erect  any  buildings  for 
student's  rooms,  the  board  of  trustees  by  statute  having, 
after  full  consideration,  settled  upon  the  system  of 
licensed  boarding  houses  to  provide  for  the  board  and 
lodging  of  all  students.  By  this  determination  they  were 


Rev.  W.  P.  DuBOSE,  S.  T.  D. 
Dean  ol  the  Theological  Department. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  141 

relieved  from  the  cost  of  constructing  extensive  halls  and 
dormitories  which,  in  many  institutions,  occupy  the  largest 
portion  of  their  buildings  and  absorb  the  larger  portion 
•of  their  building  fund.  It  was  proposed  upon  the  highest 
and  most  conspicuous  site  to  erect  a  grand  central  build- 
ing whenever  the  institution  could  undertake  it.  This 
central  building  to  contain  an  audience  hall  or  theater 
to  seat  three  thousand  persons  for  commencement  and 
other  high  days,  one  wing  of  the  building  to  be  appro- 
priated to  the  library,  the  other  to  the  gallery  of  fine 
arts  and  the  school  of  design,  the  connecting  sections  to 
•contain  the  public  offices.  For  the  purpose  of  instruc- 
tion it  was  proposed  to  build  from  time  to  time,  as  they 
should  be  required,  colleges  or  halls  prepared  for  recita- 
tion and  lecture  rooms;  these  colleges  or  halls  to  be  built 
of  stone  according  to  the  best  models  of  architecture  and 
to  be  located  on  the  most  desirable  sites,  and  to  be 
arranged  so  as  to  bring  those  studies  usually  pursued 
together  in  sufficiently  close  connection,  placing  on  the 
outer  line  of  the  grouping  the  special  schools,  such  as 
law,  theology,  medicine,  etc. 

"In  the  then  prosperous  condition  of  the  South  it  was 
deemed  entirely  practicable  to  secure  at  once  an  endow- 
ment fund  of  sufficient  magnitude  to  enable  the  trustees, 
by  the  use  of  the  interest  alone,  to  erect  the  necessary 
buildings  to  commence  the  University,  and  subsequently 
to  apply  the  income  to  its  support.  They  thus  hoped  to 
preserve  the  principal  intact,  expending  the  interest 
alone." 


142  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XV. 

The  vice  chancellor,  Bishop  Quintard,  urges  immediate  action  to 
procure  an  endowment — Plans  of  endowment  suggested — 
$500,000  to  be  obtained — Bishop  Quintard  requested  to  under- 
take the  work — Small  results  but  helpful — Loan  obtained  to 
tide  over  difficulties. 

1872. 

AT  the  annual  meeting  of  board  of  trustees,  10th  of 
July,  1872,  there  were  present  Bishops  Gregg,  Quintard, 
Beckwith,  Pierce,  Howe,  Garrett  and  Young,  with  nine 
clerical  and  eleven  lay  trustees.  The  vice  chancellor 
made  his  report  of  the  operations  of  the  year.  The  death 
of  Bishop  Davis  of  South  Carolina,  Kev.  Dr.  Curtis  of 
North  Carolina  and  Jno.  Duncan,  Esq.,  of  Mississippi, 
of  the  board  of  trustees,  was  mentioned  in  suitable  terms. 
Bishop  Quintard  suggested  that  the  Advent  offering  might 
be  taken  to  endow  the  theological  chairs,  thus  giving 
a  specific  object  for  the  appeal  of  the  clergy,  and  that 
probably  no  object  would  appeal  more  strongly  to  both 
clergy  and  people.  He  called  attention  to  the  necessity 
of  raising  a  certain  amount  of  money  to  liquidate  certain 
existing  indebtedness — that  there  was  no  evidence  of  the 
want  of  success;  that  it  was  the  result  of  improvements 
constantly  in  progress,  and  that  the  amount  of  debt  was 
represented  in  the  schedule  of  property  belonging  to  the 
University;  that  a  University  is  in  its  nature  not  self- 
creating  nor  self-sustaining.  Bishop  Quintard  expressed 
the  feeling  that  the  University  should  now  have  a  resident 
head,  and  tendered  his  resignation  as  vice  chancellor.  He 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  143 

also  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  executive  committee 
should  be  discontinued  or  its  functions  restricted  to  the 
carrying  out  of  a  definite  and  specified  work  designated 
by  the  board  of  trustees. 

This  subject  came  up  for  discussion  in  the  board.  The 
matter  was  referred  to  the  committee  on  constitution 
and  statutes,  who  made  a  report  through  L.  N.  Whittle, 
(Esq.,  its  chairman,  "That  the  committee  was  of  the 
opinion  that  the  executive  committee,  at  this  time,  had 
no  control  whatsoever  of  the  internal  government  of  the 
University  itself,  but  that  their  powers  and  duties 
related  entirely  to  the  external  and  incidental  affairs  of 
the  University  and  corporation;  that  occasions  might 
arise  for  the  exercise  of  their  powers,  and  that,  therefore, 
they  recommended  that  the  executive  committee  be  con- 
tinued for  the  present  with  the  powers  and  duties  now 
assigned  to  them."  The  recommendation  of  the  committee 
was  disagreed  to  by  a  vote  by  orders:  of  bishops,  ayes 
none;  of  clergy,  ayes  one  (Dr.  Bannister),  and  of  lay 
trustees,  ayes  three — Messrs.  Hanckel,  Whittle  and  Fair- 
banks. Nays — bishops,  five;  clerical  trustees,  six;  lay, 
seven — and  the  executive  committee  was  thus  abolished. 

The  action  of  the  board  on  this  matter  was  one  of  those 
curious  misconceptions  which  pervade  bodies  of  men. 
Looking  back  now,  their  action  is  simply  unaccountable. 
The  University  is  a  business  as  well  as  an  educational 
body.  It  has  property  to  manage.  It  has  contracts  to 
make,  suits  to  institute  and  defend,  vacancies  to  fill, 
emergencies  to  provide  for,  etc.,  and  its  board  of  trustees 
meets  but  once  a  year  and  consists  of  a  large  body  of 
members.  One  would  think  that  there  could  be  no  plainer 


144  HISTORY    OF    THE 

case  of  the  need  of  a  committee  with  delegated  powers  to 
look  after  the  affairs  and  business  of  the  corporation 
during  the  three  hundred  and  fifty-seven  days  out  of  the 
three  hundred  and  sixty-five  when  the  board  of  trustees 
is  not  in  session.  A  want  of  consideration  of  the  real 
functions  of  the  committee,  and  an  apprehension  that  it 
might  in  some  way  interfere  with  the  internal  adminis- 
tration of  the  scholastic  part  of  the  University,  must 
have  operated  to  produce  this  singular  action.  I  will 
here  add  that  as  a  sequel  to  this  vote  the  bishop  of 
Tennessee,  as  chairman  of  the  committee  on  organization, 
in  1876,  after  four  years'  experience  of  doing  without  an 
executive  committee,  with  entire  frankness  made  a 
report  to  the  board,  recommending  the  passage  of  a  resolu- 
tion that  an  executive  committee,  to  consist  of  one  bishop, 
two  clergymen  and  two  laymen,  be  elected  annually  by 
the  board  of  trustees,  with  power  to  suspend  or  alter  any 
action  of  the  board  regarding  the  administration  of  the 
University  whenever  any  emergency  might  arise  requiring 
such  action  on  their  part.  That  said  committee  should 
report  fully  their  proceedings  to  the  board  at  their  next 
meeting  thereafter. 

When  the  resolution  came  up  for  consideration  it  was 
amended  so  as  to  read  "with  power  to  see  to  the  execution 
of  the  resolutions  of  the  board  and  to  provide  for  any 
emergency  which  may  arise  in  the  administration  of  the 
University  during  the  recess  of  the  board."  As  thus 
amended  it  was  passed  with  the  concurrence  of  at  least 
nine  of  those  who  had,  in  1872,  voted  to  abolish  the  com- 
mittee. The  executive  committee  has  been  annually 
-elected  from  1876  to  this  time,  and  its  powers  and  duties 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  145 

have  been  largely  increased.  During  the  year,  1872-73, 
Kev.  Mr.  Mmnford  was  appointed  a  tutor  in  the  grammar 
school,  Mr.  Grabau,  as  organist  and  assistant  in  the 
grammar  school,  and  Mr.  C.  L.  C.  Minor,  principal 
assistant  in  the  grammar  school;  Mr.  J.  L.  Cooper  was 
appointed  registrar,  and  Col.  H.  Schaller  instructor  in 
modern  languages  to  take  the  place  of  Rev.  F.  A.  Juny, 
resigned.  The  chairs  of  Latin  and  Greek  were  separated 
and  Professor  Minor  was  subsequently  made  professor 
of  Latin  and  master  of  the  grammar  school.  The  resigna- 
tion of  Bishop  Quintard,  as  vice  chancellor,  was  received 
and  Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas  was  unanimously  elected  vice 
chancellor  for  the  term  of  three  years,  with  a  salary 
of  |2,500  per  annum.  The  salary  was,  for  that  year, 
increased  $500.  The  committee  on  endowment  reported 
by  resolution  that  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  fund  of 
not  less  than  five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  as  an  endow- 
ment of  the  University  of  the  South,  the  right  reverend 
the  bishop  of  Tennessee  is  hereby  requested,  as  the  com- 
missioner of  the  University,  to  procure  one  thousand 
subscriptions  of  $500  each,  or  to  take  such  other  steps 
as  he  might  deem  best  to  secure  a  sufficient  amount  for 
the  endowment. 

General  Kershaw,  of  South  Carolina,  was  requested  to 
render  such  aid  as  he  might  be  able  to  give,  and  the  other 
bishops  connected  with  the  University  were  requested  to 
cooperate  with  Bishop  Quintard  by  their  personal  aid 
and  influence,  as  well  as  by  obtaining  the  assistance  of 
such  clergymen  and  laymen  as  might  be  able  and  willing 
to  unite  with  Bishop  Quintard  in  the  work.  They  also 
requested  the  bishop  of  Louisiana  to  raise  $30,000  to 


146  HISTORY    OF    THE 

endow  a  Polk  professorship  in  the  University.  A  plan 
which  had  been  brought  before  the  board  by  the  Carolina 
Life  Insurance  Co.,  of  Memphis,  Tenn.,  to  create  an  endow- 
ment for  the  University  was  postponed  to  the  next  meeting 
of  the  board.  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  who  was  present 
and  invited  to  a  seat  in  the  board,  was  connected  with 
this  company  and  introduced  the  proposition.  No  further 
action,  however,  was  subsequently  taken  in  reference  to 
the  proposition. 

A  plan  was  also  considered  for  the  sale  of  scholarships, 
the  executive  committee  having  reported  that  they  had 
inaugurated  the  same  by  the  sale  of  1ftvo  scholarships  for 
board  and  tuition  at  $250  per  annum  each.  The  com- 
mittee of  ways  and  means  reported  in  favor  of  issuing  one 
hundred  certificates  of  scholarships,  with  five  coupons 
each.  The  report  was  referred  to  the  finance  committee 
to  report  upon  the  following  year.  No  report  was  ever 
made,  and  the  plan  was  consequently  abandoned.  A 
proposition  was  made  that  the  bishops  of  the  respective 
dioceses  be  requested  to  use  their  official  and  personal 
influence  to  obtain  endowments  of  professorships,  to  be 
called  after  the  names  of  the  most  distinguished  citizens 
of  said  dioceses  who  were  most  intimately  associated  by 
sympathy  and  active  work  in  inaugurating  or  carrying 
forward  the  University.  This  was  laid  aside  in  view  of 
the  proposition  to  raise  $500,000  having  been  adopted.* 


*If  plans  and  resolutions  could  have  endowed  the  University 
it  would,  long  ago,  have  reveled  in  wealth.  Feeling  the  great 
needs  of  the  University  the  trustees  groped  in  rather  a  blind  way 
to  find  some  plan  or  scheme  for  raising  the  necessary  funds.  It 
is  not  surprising,  however,  that  in  the  then  condition  of  the 


Gen.  E.  KIRBY  SMITH,  C.  3.  A. 
Professor  of  Mathematics. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  147 

The  committee  on  costumes  and  badges  made  a  report  in 
reference  to  hoods,  which  was  adopted,  recommending 
virtually  the  same  as  those  now  used. 

The  committee  on  organization  made  a  recommendation 
that  the  degree  of  bachelor  of  science  and  bachelor  of 
philosophy  be  conferred  on  such  students  as  had  passed 
through  a  proper  course  of  study,  and  prescribed  the 
studies  which  should  be  pursued  for  these  degrees.  They 
recommended  the  division  of  the  chairs  of  Latin  and 
Greek. 

General  Gorgas,  the  vice  chancellor-elect,  addressed  a 
communication  to  the  board,  accepting  the  office,  in  which 
he  most  wisely  says:  "I  am  not  fully  informed  of  the 
action  taken  by  the  board  on  the  matters  of  finance, 
but  unless  income  and  expenditures  have  been  so  propor- 
tioned as  to  insure  the  success  of  the  former,  all  the 
efforts  of  a  vice  chancellor  cannot  avert  embarrassment 
and  inefficiency.  I  can  only  hope  that  the  board  has 
fully  considered  resources,  and  appreciated  our  expendi- 
tures; and  that  they  have  not  left  this  vital  point  in 
doubt.  Expenditures  estimated  for  are  always  certain 
to  occur,  resources  confidently  relied  on  are  seldom  fully 
attained.  The  experience  of  the  past  year  warns  us 


South — having  not  only  undergone  the  consequences  of  a  long  and 
destructive  war,  but  the  further  aggravation  of  an  humiliating 
period  of  reconstruction — there  could  not  be  found  any  consider- 
able number  of  persons  of  means  to  furnish  any  considerable 
portion  of  the  one  thousand  subscriptions  of  $500  each;  while 
neither  the  inchoate  condition  of  the  University,  nor  the  location 
in  the  South,  created  any  great  amount  of  sympathy  for  the 
institution  in  the  North. 


148  HISTORY    OF    THE 

against  an  overestimate  of  our  receipts."  A  wise  counsel 
which  it  is  a  pity  had  not  been  laid  to  heart. 

Upon  accepting  the  resignation  of  Bishop  Quintard  as 
vice  chancellor  the  following  preamble  and  resolution 
was  adopted: 

"Whereas,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Charles  T.  Quintard,  S.  T.  D., 
L.  L.  D.,  bishop  of  Tennessee,  has  resigned  the  office 
of  vice  chancellor  of  this  University,  and  the  same  has 
been  accepted  by  the  board  of  trustees; 

"Resolved,  That  in  accepting  his  resignation  the  board 
desires  to  put  on  record  its  sense  of  obligations  to  him 
for  all  he  has  been  instrumental  in  accomplishing  in  its 
behalf.  When,  by  the  devastation  of  war,  this  site  was  a 
waste,  he  was  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  resuscitating 
our  enterprise.  When  but  a  feeble  beginning  had  been 
made,  and  from  the  then  helpless  prostration  of  the 
entire  South  but  little  could  be  hoped  for  from  our 
own  people,  through  his  instrumentality,  mainly  in  Eng- 
land, some  $16,000  in  cash  was  obtained,  by  which  we 
were  enabled  successfully  to  inaugurate  our  work,  and, 
besides  this,  he  secured  the  gift  of  the  four  thousand 
volumes  which  constituted  the  beginning  of  our  library. 
From  that  tinte  until  the  present,  to  the  abundant  labors 
of  his  large  diocese  he  has  added  the  active  duties  of 
resident  vice  chancellor  for  a  considerable  part  of  his 
time,  and  besides  has  made  frequent  visits  to  neighboring 
dioceses  to  secure  funds  for  the  furtherance  of  our  work. 
For  such  unsparing  devotion  and  untiring  efforts  on  the 
part  of  the  bishop  of  Tennessee  in  behalf  of  our  cherished 
enterprise,  all  of  which  has  been  gratuitously  rendered, 
we  desire  to  record  our  highest  appreciation  and  pro- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  149 

foundest  thanks;  and  on  his  retirement  from  the  office 
which  he  has  so  usefully  and  ably  filled,  we  desire 
unanimously  to  tender  to  him,  with  this  expression  of 
our  thanks,  the  assurance  of  our  best  wishes  and  prayers 
for  his  continued  usefulness,  prosperity  and  happiness." 

A  special  committee  of  five  was  appointed  to  procure 
the  services  of  a  competent  engineer  and  landscape 
gardener  to  regulate  existing  avenues,  lay  out  new  ones, 
locate  building  sites,  etc.,  but,  like  all  similar  resolutions 
which  from  time  to  time  have  been  adopted,  this  import- 
ant work  has  never  been  actually  undertaken,  and  this 
great  need  still  remains,  although  a  beginning  has  been 
recently  made  to  preserve  our  forest.  The  board  made 
the  following  declaration  bearing  upon  the  relations 
between  the  University  and  the  occupants  of  the  reserve 
of  one  thousand  acres :  "Whereas  this  domain  was  granted 
for  the  sole  use  and  benefit  of  the  University  of  the  South ; 
and,  whereas  this  board  has  set  apart  a  reservation  of 
one  thousand  acres  as  a  college  campus,  in  order  to  keep 
from  its  immediate  neighborhood  the  residences  of  all 
persons  not  immediately  connected  with  the  University 
and  its  operations.  Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  inter- 
ests of  the  University  are  and  ought  to  be  considered  by 
all  living  on  this  reservation  paramount  to  every  other 
consideration  always  and  in  all  things. 

"Resolved,  That  the  following  be  adopted  as  statute: 
The  vice  chancellor  is  authorized  to  make  such  regula- 
tions as  to  time  of  recreation,  amusements,  and  general 
social  gatherings  as  may  be  necessary  to  prevent  the 
interruption  of  study  and  relaxation  of  discipline." 


150  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Up  to  this  period  there  had  been  no  parish  church  in 
Franklin  County.  On  the  16th  of  July,  1872,  Bishop 
Quintard  laid  the  cornerstone  of  the  church  at  Win- 
chester. On  Whit  Sunday,  1872,  the  bishop  confirmed  a 
class  of  thirteen  in  St.  Augustines  chapel,  twelve  of  the 
number  being  students  of  the  University,  and  on  Trinity 
Sunday  Rev.  Chas.  M.  Gray,  a  student  of  the  University, 
was  ordained  as  deacon  in  Nashville,  he  being  the  first 
of  our  students  ordained  to  the  ministry.  During  this- 
year  a  church  was  also  erected  at  Tullahoma,  and  the 
work  on  a  parish  church  at  Sewanee,  called  St.  Pauls-oil - 
the-Mountain,  was  commenced,  and  finished  the  following 
spring  by  the  zealous  and  energetic  efforts  of  Rev.  F.  A. 
Shoup. 

In  connection  with  this  work  a  parish  school  building 
adjoining  St.  Pauls  had  been  built  by  the  generous  aid 
of  Mr.  J.  W.  Hayes,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  in  which  a  day 
school  was  carried  on  by  Miss  Charlotte  Elliott  and  Miss 
Flora  Fairbanks,  for  a  considerable  period,  for  the 
instruction  of  the  children  of  families  living  around  the 
station.  The  beneficial  effects  of  this  school  were  long 
felt,  and  as  one  of  its  results  the  bishop  of  the  diocese 
confirmed  in  the  Church  of  St.  Pauls-on-the-Mountain  on 
the  fifth  Sunday  in  Lent,  1873,  twenty  persons,  and  the 
rector  reported  for  the  convention  year  sixty-five  baptisms, 
of  which  number  thirteen  were  adults. 

At  this  period  a  number  of  families  had  erected  dwell- 
ings near  Sewanee  station,  and  several  business  houses 
had  been  put  up;  notably,  by  Mr.  Hayes,  the  large 
concrete  building  on  the  southeast  side  of  the  railroad 
track,  now  occupied  as  a  Masonic  hall.  W.  H.  Tomlinson, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  151 

in  1860,  was  appointed  as  the  first  postmaster  at  Univer- 
sity Place.  After  the  war  Rev.  F.  L.  Knight  was  post- 
master, and  about  1870  Mr.  J.  M.  Cotten,  who  was 
succeeded  by  Mr.  S.  C.  Hoge,  who  held  the  office  until  1888, 
when  Mrs.  S.  B.  Herndon  was  appointed,  who  was 
succeeded,  in  1893,  by  Miss  Carrie  Kirby  Smith. 

When  Mr.  Tomlinson  became  postmaster,  in  1860,  there 
were  but  three  families  on  the  mountain.  In  1893  the 
business  had  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  advance 
the  office  to  a  third-class  presidential  office,  with  a  salary 
of  $1,000  per  annum. 

In  December,  1872,  Bishop  Quintard,  in  company  with 
Gen.  J.  B.  Kershaw  of  South  Carolina,  made  an  active 
canvass  in  that  diocese  for  the  University.  He  visited 
the  principal  towns  of  the  State  with  encouraging  results. 
From  South  Carolina  he  went  to  Georgia,  visiting 
Savannah,  Augusta,  Macon  and  Columbus,  Montgomery, 
and  Mobile  (Ala.),  New  Orleans,  and  Texas.  Coupon  and 
endowment  notes  were  obtained  from  July,  1872,  to  July, 
1873  :  in  South  Carolina  for  f  10,391 ;  in  Texas,  f  12,797.70 ; 
in  Georgia,  $3,994.20;  in  Alabama,  f  1,850;  in  North 
Carolina,  |500— making  a  total  of  $27,683.15.  For  the 
same  period  Advent  offerings  amounted  to  $2,128.75, 
of  which  Texas  gave  $767.80.  Payments  were  made 
on  coupon  notes  to  the  amount  of  $2,794.  Yet, 
notwithstanding  these  liberal  gifts,  the  floating  debt  of 
the  University  amounted  to  $10,000.  To  meet  this  a 
loan  was  negotiated  in  New  York  with  the  United  States 
Mortgage  Company  (with  some  difficulty)  for  $10,000 
at  eight  per  cent  interest.  It  was  supposed  at  the  time 
that  the  coupon  endowment  notes  given  to  the  University 


162  HISTORY    OF    THE 

would  provide  for  the  payment  of  this  loan,  but,  as 
usually  happens,  expected  receipts  fell  off,  and  before 
the  mortgage  debt  became  due  the  University  needed  a 
still  larger  loan. 

It  was  one  of  the  disadvantages  of  the  organization  of 
the  University  board  of  trustees  that  there  was  not 
always  in  the  board  sufficient  business  experience  or  time 
for  careful  investigation  to  induce  a  cautious  regard  to 
expenditures,  and  hence  salaries  and  expenses  were 
authorized  to  a  larger  amount  than  the  income  of  the 
institution  warranted,  a  course  which  in  time  reacted  on 
the  University,  forcing  a  subsequent  reduction  of  salaries. 
The  salary  list  of  1872-73,  to  professors  and  students, 
amounted  to  $18,570.11,  a  larger  amount  than  that  of 
1892-93  when  the  University  had  been  greatly  developed. 
The  large  expectations  indulged  in,  or  rather  hoped  for, 
from  the  mission  of  the  bishop  of  Tennessee,  to  secure 
an  endowment  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  resulted 
in  securing  the  promise  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars 
only,  and  of  this  amount  it  is  doubtful  whether  more  than 
one-third  was  ever  paid.  The  annual  Advent  offering 
also  fell  off  in  amount,  and  the  current  indebtedness 
increased. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  153 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  time  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  changed 
from  middle  of  July  to  the  Wednesday  before  the  first  Thurs- 
day in  August — Theological  department  inaugurated  by 
providing  for  a  professor  of  systematic  divinity — Regulations 
as  to  gownsmen  adopted — Cornerstone  of  Hodgson  Library 
laid — Bishop  Quintard  requested  to  go  to  England  in  the 
interests  of  the  University. 

1873-1874. 

THE  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  was  held 
16th  July,  1873 ;  there  were  present  Bishops  Green,  Gregg, 
Quintard,  J.  P.  B.  Wilnier  and  Howe,  seven  clerical  and 
nine  lay  trustees.  The  vice  chancellor  reported  the 
resignation  of  Professor  Minor,  professor  of  Latin,  in 
October  preceding;  and  that  the  chair  was  provisionally 
filled  by  Prof.  Hugh  Craig,  with  Mr.  Thos.  Williamson 
as  assistant  professor  in  the  schools  of  Latin.  The  vice 
chancellor  recommended  a  change  in  the  time  of  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  board  to  about  the  1st  of  August, 
go  as  to  equalize  the  school  terms.  The  commissioner 
of  buildings  and  lands  reported  the  erection  of  the 
present  wooden  grammar  school  building.  He  recom- 
mended the  erection  of  one  of  the  permanent  buildings 
for  lecture  and  recitation  rooms,  and  submitted  a  plan 
for  such  a  building,  costing  not  over  $25,000.  He  men- 
tions having  obtained  the  passage  by  both  houses  of  the 
Tennessee  Legislature  of  a  law  prohibiting  the  sale  of 
liquor  within  four  miles  of  any  incorporated  institution 
of  learning,  but  that  it  failed  to  become  a  law  by  the 
attaching  to  it  of  an  immaterial  amendment  which 


154  HISTORY    OF    THE 

delayed  final  action  upon  it  before  the  adjournment  of 
that  body.  The  board  passed  resolutions  consolidating 
the  schools  of  Latin  and  Greek,  and  providing  for  the 
appointment  of  a  professor  of  systematic  divinity  as  the 
beginning  of  a  theological  department.  The  board,  by 
resolution,  directed  that  the  plans  of  the  lands  of  the 
University  of  the  South  as  delineated  in  the  maps  pre- 
sented to  us  by  the  late  Bishop  Hopkins  be  hereby 
adopted,  and  be  closely  followed  in  the  location  of  build- 
ings by  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  and  by 
all  others.  Statute  XXII  was  altered,  so  as  to  provide 
that  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  should  be 
held  on  the  Wednesday  before  the  first  Thursday  in 
August.  A  scheme  of  the  necessary  examinations  in  the 
schools  of  the  University,  entitling  students  to  the  various 
degrees,  was  submitted  and  passed  as  an  amendment  to 
Statute  IX,  Section  3.  The  trustees  remaining  after 
adjournment  were  authorized  to  appoint  a  professor 
of  systematic  divinity.  The  bishop  of  Louisiana  was 
requested  to  visit  the  cities  of  the  North  and  Northwest, 
and  present  the  plans,  scope  and  aims  of  the  University 
to  the  churchmen  of  those  cities.  This  commission  was 
not  accepted  by  the  bishop  of  Louisiana.  The  total 
number  of  students  for  1872-73  was  256,  of  whom  138 
were  in  the  grammar  school.  The  total  number  for 
1873-74  was  262,  of  which  number  137  were  in  the  gram- 
mar school.  In  December,  1873,  the  dormitory  attached 
to  General  Gorgas'  house  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and 
rebuilt  at  his  expense  the  following  spring.  The  chapel 
was  still  farther  enlarged  by  adding  aisles  on  both 
sides  to  the  nave  at  the  east  end.  A  building  was 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  165 

erected  in  the  chapel  yard  for  class  rooms,  and  a  lecture 
room  was  built  for  the  professor  of  ancient  languages. 
Forensic  Hall  on  the  north  side  of  the  chapel,  60  by  36 
feet,  was  erected  largely  through  private  aid,  and  was 
put  up  within  the  space  of  three  weeks,  much  of  the 
lumber  used  having  been  cut  down,  hauled  to  the  mill, 
sawed  and  thence  to  the  ground  during  the  progress  of 
the  erection.  It  was  designed  for  the  general  uses  of  a 
public  hall,  which,  in  so  many  capacities,  it  has  filled 
during  many  past  years.  Prof.  Caskie  Harrison, 
by  amateur  theatricals,  raised  a  considerable  portion  of 
its  cost.  The  stage  end  was  added  in  1890  by  the 
Thespian  Club.  The  charter,  as  amended  on  January 
9th,  1860,  provided  that  the  said  University  of  the  South 
shall  have  a  right  to  establish  such  police  and  municipal 
regulations  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  preservation  of 
order  and  the  enforcement  of  the  by-laws  of  said  Univer- 
sity. The  legislature  had  passed  an  act  authorizing 
chancery  courts  to  grant  charters,  etc.  The  chancery  court 
of  Franklin  County,  in  which  county  the  University  is 
located,  had  granted  an  amendment  to  the  charter,  giving 
effect  to  the  amended  charter  of  1860,  by  granting  power 
to  enforce  certain  municipal  regulations,  but  the  power 
to  assess  and  enforce  the  collection  of  taxes,  to  carry  out 
these  regulations  had  not  been  conferred.  Upon  petition 
of  the  authorities  of  the  University  the  chancery  court  of 
Franklin  County,  in  January,  1874,  gave  the  requisite 
authority  to  the  University,  by  further  amendment  of  the 
charter,  to  levy  and  collect  taxes  for  municipal  purposes. 
An  ordinance  was  introduced  authorizing  the  assessment 


156  HISTORY    OF    THE 

of  a  tax  of  three  and  one-third  mills  on  all  leasehold 
property,  including  buildings  and  improvements,  for  the 
year  1874-75.  The  ordinance  was  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee on  buildings  and  lands,  who  made  no  report  there- 
on, being  as  supposed  doubtful  of  the  constitutionality 
of  the  authority  conferred  by  the  chancery  court.  No 
further  action  has  ever  been  had  to  avail  itself  of  the 
powers  conferred  or  to  exercise  any  municipal 
authority  from  that  day  to  this.  The  amended  charter 
was  virtually  ignored;  a  calaboose  was  erected  in  which 
one  prisoner  was  confined,  for  selling  liquor,  but  which 
was  for  a  considerable  period  a  useful  reminder  of  the 
penalties  of  the  law.  In  order  to  assist  in  maintaining 
order,  so  far  as  disorderly  elements  might  invade 
the  mountain,  Mr.  Fairbanks,  the  commissioner  of  build- 
ings and  lands,  had  the  University  domain  and  vicinity 
made  a  separate  Civil  District,  which  entitled  it  to 
two  justices  of  the  peace  and  a  constable.  The  justices 
were  ex  officio  members  of  the  county  court,  which  has 
jurisdiction  over  taxation,  roads  and  other  county  matters. 
Mr.  Fairbanks  held  the  office  of  justice  for  twelve  years, 
during  which  he  never  demanded  or  received  a  fee.  Eight 
hundred  volumes  were  added  tx>  the  library  during  the 
year  1873,  the  larger  portion  being  the  gift  of  Prof. 
Maximilian  La  Borde,  of  South  Carolina  College  at 
Columbia,  S.  C. 

The  secretary  of  the  board  was  directed  to  have 
published  the  constitution,  statutes  and  all  resolutions 
pertaining  to  the  government  of  the  University  and  gram- 
mar school. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  157 

The  Rev.  N.  Collins  Hughes,  of  North  Carolina,  was 
elected  master  of  the  grammar  school  in  place  of 
Professor  Minor,  resigned. 

The  board  directed  that  no  lease  be  granted  of  any 
portion  of  the  domain  within  the  limits  of  a  circle  embrac- 
ing the  grounds  and  buildings  of  the  University,  accord- 
ing to  the  plans  of  Bishop  Hopkins,  and  that  no  lease  be 
granted  on  the  reserve  northwest  of  the  railroad  of 
greater  dimensions  than  one  and  one-third  acres,  without 
the  sanction  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

The  board  took  action  in  reference  to  the  appointment 
of  a  commissioner  to  be  charged  with  the  duty  of  going 
to  England  for  the  purpose  of  raising  funds,  and  requested 
the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard  to  undertake  this  duty 
at  such  time  during  the  ensuing  year  as  might  suit  his 
convenience. 

A  resolution  was  adopted  requiring  that  all  students 
under  seventeen  years  of  age  should  be  required  to  enter 
the  grammar  school,  the  previous  limit  adopted  in  1871 
having  been  sixteen  years  of  age.  Also  that,  while  all 
University  students  are,  by  law,  required  to  wear  the 
gown  and  cap  prescribed,  the  vice  chancellor,  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  hebdomadal  board,  be 
permitted  to  distinguish  a  more  advanced  class  of  gowns- 
men by  the  use  of  some  appropriate  badge.  This  action 
soon  led  to  a  division  of  the  University  students  into  two 
classes,  junior  and  gownsmen.  In  1875  (the  general 
regulation  as  to  all  students  of  the  University  wearing 
the  cap  and  gown  being  suspended  prior  to  1875)  the 
admission  to  the  order  of  gownsmen  was  left  to  the  votes 
of  the  body  of  existing  gownsmen. 


158  HISTORY    OF    THE 

In  1875  the  board  resolved  that  such  admission  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  hebdomadal  board.  Sixteen 
students  were  confirmed  in  St.  Augustines  chapel  on  the 
26th  of  September,  1873,  by  the  bishop  of  Tennessee.  In 
October,  1873,  the  yellow  fever  prevailed  as  a  fearful 
epidemic  in  the  city  of  Memphis. 

John  F.  Cochran  of  Louisiana  and  Walter  B.  Cowan 
of  Mississippi  died  during  the  academic  year  of  1874-75, 
the  first  deaths  in  the  school  since  its  opening.  In  the 
year  1875  Rev.  F.  A.  Slump,  D.  D.,  resigned  his  position 
as  professor  of  mathematics,  and  Rev.  N.  Collins 
Hughes  his  position  as  master  of  the  grammar  school. 
Mr.  C.  M.  Beckwith  was  appointed  acting  assistant 
professor  of  mathematics.  The  board  of  trustees  met  on 
the  4th  of  August,  1875.  There  were  present  the  bishops 
of  Mississippi,  Texas,  South  Carolina,  Arkansas  and 
Western  Texas,  six  clerical  and  nine  lay  trustees. 

The  vice  chancellor  reported  upon  the  subject  of  the 
order  taken  by  the  board,  in  1874,  relative  to  gownsmen, 
urging  that  any  change  in  the  existing  status  of  the 
gownsmen  and  junior  University  students  would  be 
injurious  to  the  discipline  and  moral  tone  of  the  Univer- 
sity. That  the  present  order  of  gownsmen  was  a  natural 
growth.  They  were  in  a  great  measure  exempted  from 
discipline  and  put  upon  their  honor  for  their  own  govern- 
ment. To  attain  the  gown  exemplary  moral  character  was 
required  as  well  as  a  certain  age  and  advancement  in 
studies,  and  no  student  was  allowed  to  wear  the  gown 
who  was  not  capable  of  self  government.  To  give  the 
gown  to  all  the  University  students  would  break  down 
this  distinctive  mark,  and  would  take  away  from  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  159- 

younger  students  a  strong  incentive  to  proper  conduct. 
That  a  badge  for  the  gownsmen  would  not  answer  the 
same  purpose  as  the  complete  distinction  of  the  gown.  The 
board  acceded  to  the  recommendation  of  the  hebdomadal 
board,  made  through  the  vice  chancellor,  relative  to  the 
order  of  gownsmen. 

The  hebdomadal  board  advised  the  sale  of  forty  scholar- 
ships at  $250  each  to  extinguish  the  bonded  debt  of 
$10,000,  covering  four  years'  tuition  of  one  pupil.  The 
committee  of  ways  and  means  reported  in  favor  of  sale 
of  forty  scholarships  at  $275  each.  Two  agents  were 
appointed,  Messrs.  E.  Shegog  and  James  G.  Holmes,  to 
make  sale  of  these  scholarships,  and  to  raise  funds  for 
the  benefit  of  the  University,  and  receive  subscriptions 
for  the  general  purposes  of  the  University. 

It  may  be  said  here  that  this  agency  of  Messrs.  Shegog- 
and  Holmes  was  an  entire  failure,  both  as  to  obtaining 
funds  or  subscriptions  or  sale  of  scholarships,  and  at  the 
next  meeting  of  the  board  the  sale  of  scholarships  was 
suspended.  The  Advent  offerings  for  year,  1873-74, 
amounted  to  $1,559.36,  of  which  over  one-fourth  came 
from  Texas.  In  October,  1874,  the  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson 
offered  to  defray  the  entire  expense  of  the  erection  of  a 
stone  library  building  upon  certain  conditions  specified 
in  his  proposal,  which  included  a  lease  of  fifty  acres  of 
land  and  the  location  of  the  library  building  to  be  directed 
by  him,  the  expense  not  to  exceed  ten  thousand  dollars. 
The  committee  of  the  board  completed  the  arrangements 
with  him,  and  the  cornerstone  of  the  building  was  laid 
during  the  meeting  of  the  board  on  August  9,  1875.  The 
plans  of  the  building  were  furnished  gratuitously  by  Mr. 


160  HISTORY    OF    THE 

H.  Hudson  Holly,  a  distinguished  architect  of  New  York 
City.  The  location  was  in  accordance  with  Dr.  Hodg- 
son's wishes. 

The  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  reported  that 
three  several  attempts  had  been  made  to  establish  drinking 
shops  on  the  outskirts  of  the  domain,  that  he  had  defeated 
the  attempts  in  two  instances,  and  had  a  suit  pending  in 
reference  to  the  third,  which  resulted  favorably  to  the 
University,  and  that  the  coal  beds  belonging  to  the 
University  were  being  worked  upon  a  royalty,  and  the 
entire  supply  of  coal  was  obtained  from  the  University 
mines. 

Two  hundred  and  twenty-six  volumes  were  added  to  the 
library,  among  which  was  a  complete  uniform  set  of  the 
classics,  well  bound  in  136  volumes,  from  Frank  H.  Miller 
of  Augusta,  Ga. 

The  committee  on  finance  reported  a  diminution  of  in- 
come, and  debt  of  $2,713.56  borrowed.  No  funds  had  been 
secured  to  pay  off  the  $10,000  mortgage  debt,  bearing  ten 
per  cent  interest  and  maturing  November,  1875,  and  the 
treasurer  was  authorized  to  obtain  an  extension  of  time 
on  it.  Mr.  J.  B.  Seabrook  was  elected  tutor  to  act  as 
assistant  to  professor  of  ancient  languages,  and  Mr. 
C.  M.  Beckwith,  general  tutor  and  assistant  to  master  of 
grammar  school. 

The  election  of  vice  chancellor  and  professors  resulted 
in  the  choice  of  General  Gorgas  as  vice  chancellor  and 
professor  of  physics  and  civil  engineering;  Robert 
Dabney,  L.  L.  D.,  professor  of  metaphysics,  English 
language,  etc.;  John  B.  Elliott,  M.  D.,  professor  of 
chemistry,  geology  and  mineralogy  and  health  officer; 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  161 

Caskie  Harrison,  A.  M.,  professor  of  ancient  languages; 
Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  professor  of  mathematics;  Col.  T. 
F.  Sevier,  proctor  and  acting  master  of  the  grammar 
School. 

The  church  and  Advent  offerings,  from  July,  1874,  to 
August,  1875,  amounted  to  $1,233.45,  of  which  Texas, 
Tennessee  and  South  Carolina  gave  $900. 


162  HISTORY    OP    THE 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Bishop  Quintard's  second  visit  to  England  in  1875 — Aid  for  the 
University  from  English  churchmen — Election  of  Rev.  G.  T. 
Wilmer,  D.  D.,  as  professor  in  theological  department — Pass- 
age hy  the  Legislature  of  Tennessee  of  the  "Four  Mile  Law" 
— Its  beneficial  effects. 

THE  bishop  of  Tennessee,  in  pursuance  of  the  appoint- 
ment conferred  upon  him,  left  New  York  for  England  on 
the  17th  of  July,  1875.  In  consequence  of  the  absence 
of  the  archbishop  of  Canterbury,  he  was  unable  to  present 
his  commendatory  letter  to  him  from  the  bishops  con- 
nected with  the  University  until  October  1st,  1875,  from 
whom  he  received  a  letter  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

ADDINGTON  PARK,  1st  Oct.,  1875. 

I  remember  the  great  interest  in  the  matter  which  was 
excited  amongst  English  churchmen  in  1868.  My  prede- 
cessor, Archbishop  Langley,  was  zealous  in  his  efforts 
to  promote  the  scheme,  and  the  bishops  of  England 
generally  assisted  him.  The  account  given  by  the  bishop 
of  Tennessee  of  the  success  which  has  attended  the  efforts 
hitherto  made  is  most  encouraging,  and  I  cannot  doubt 
that  the  great  need  of  adding  a  theological  school  to  the 
arrangements  for  general  education  in  the  Southern 
States  will  commend  itself  to  churchmen  in  England,  who 
will  be  glad  of  an  opportunity  of  assisting  their  trans- 
atlantic brethren  in  so  good  a  work.  I  beg  to  commend 
the  scheme  to  the  sympathy  of  the  members  of  our  church. 

A.  C.  CANTAUR. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  16S 

Armed  with  this  commendatory  letter,  Bishop  Quintard 
addressed  a  circular  to  each  of  the  English  bishops, 
asking  their  cooperation  and  sympathy.  A  copy  of  a 
letter  from  Bishop  Quintard  to  Rev.  F.  W.  Tremlett, 
commissary  of  the  University,  containing  a  brief  account 
of  the  progress,  prospects,  and  needs  of  the  University, 
especially  the  importance  of  establishing  a  theological 
school,  was  also  transmitted  to  each  of  the  bishops. 

A  committee  was  formed,  with  the  lord  bishop  of 
London  as  chairman,  composed  of  distinguished  noble- 
men and  church  dignitaries. 

Circular  letters  were  freely  distributed.  The  bishop 
preached  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  sermons  and  delivered 
a  great  number  addresses  in  furtherance  of  his  mission. 
He  remained  in  England  until  June,  1876.  The  amount 
of  moneys  contributed  was  about  ten  thousand  dollars, 
but  the  most  important  result  of  his  visit  to  England  was 
the  founding  by  Mrs.  Mary  M.  Manigault,  then  of 
Brighton,  England,  of  St.  Lukes  Theological  Hall,  for 
which  she  donated  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  besides 
endowing  a  theological  scholarship  with  the  sum  of  five 
thousand  dollars.  This  noble  woman  afterwards  gave 
several  thousand  dollars  for  the  completion  of  St.  Lukes, 
and  also  endowed  a  second  theological  scholarship  with 
the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars.  To  these  noble  benefac- 
tions she  has  added  from  time  to  time  gifts  of  most 
valuable  books,  clerical  vestments,  pictures,  etc.  The 
name  given  St.  Lukes'  was  by  her  intended  as  an  associa- 
tion of  the  building  with  Bishop  Quintard  and  his  former 
medical  profession.  The  building  was  a  memorial  of  her 
father,  Col.  Lewis  Morris,  of  Mbrrisania,  N.  Y. 


164  HISTORY    OF    THE 

On  the  6th  of  April,  1876,  the  University  sustained  the 
loss  of  Robert  Dabney,  professor  of  methaphysics,  who 
died  of  pneumonia  at  his  home  on  the  mountain. 

The  number  of  students  for  the  year,  1875-76,  was  243. 
Rev.  Geo.  T.  Wilmer  was  elected  professor  of  the 
theological  department  and  acting  professor  of  meta- 
physics in  August,  1876.  Dr.  H.  M.  Anderson  resigned 
the  office  of  treasurer,  and  Col.  T.  F.  Sevier  was  relieved 
of  the  duties  of  master  of  the  grammar  school. 

Col.  Samuel  G.  Jones  was  elected  treasurer,  and  Mr. 
G.  JR.  Fairbanks  was  elected  commissioner  of  buildings 
and  lands. 

The  bishop  of  Tennessee  offered  a  resolution  that  it  be 
referred  to  the  bishops  present  to  consider  and  report  a 
plan  by  which  the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the 
University  of  the  South  may  be  placed  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  bishops  who  may  be  e$  offi-cio  members  of  the 
board  of  trustees. 

The  bishops  to  whom  this  resolution  was  referred 
reported  as  follows :  "Resolved,  That  the  bishops  concur  in 
the  advisability  of  placing,  so  far  as  may  be  practicable, 
the  University  domain  under  the  united  jurisdiction  of  all 
the  bishops  who  are  members  of  the  board  of  trustees;" 
and,  on  motion,  it  was  further  "Resolved,  That  the  bishop 
of  Tennessee  be  requested  to  bring  the  matter  before  the 
convention  of  his  diocese."  No  further  action  was  ever 
taken  in  this  matter.  The  self-evident  impracticability 
of  a  joint  Episcopate  over  the  University  making  any 
such  plan  impossible.  The  only  practical  suggestion 
made  was  to  erect  Franklin  County  into  a  separate 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  165 

diocese — which  was  likely  to  be  rejected  by  the  general 
convention  and  deemed  inexpedient. 

The  board  directed  the  vice  chancellor  to  procure,  if 
possible,  the  services  of  an  officer  of  the  United  States 
Army  as  drillmaster.  Mr.  C.  M.  Beckwith  was  elected 
master  of  the  grammar  school  and  the  Rev.  D.  G. 
Haskins  professor  of  ecclesiastical  history  and  commis- 
sioner. The  bishop  of  Georgia,  Rev.  Dr.  Williams,  Rev. 
Dr.  Bannister,  Mr.  Jacob  Thompson  and  Mr.  A.  T. 
McNeal  were  elected  as  the  executive  committee.  The 
treasurer  reported  that  the  receipts  from  the  coupon 
notes  had  fallen  off  very  much,  amounting  to  but  $565 
during  the  year;  that  a  considerable  number  of  the  per- 
sons who  gave  these  notes  had  become  impoverished  or 
bankrupt,  and  declined  to  pay;  that  the  interest  on  the 
endowment  notes  was  not  generally  paid  and  that  he  had 
only  received  from  that  source  $757.63,  and  had  paid 
out  for  interest  $1,426.28.  The  receipts  from  tuition, 
medical  fees  and  matriculation  were  $16,610.25,  a  falling 
off  from  the  previous  year  of  $1,653.67.  From  the  sale 
of  a  scholarship  of  $275 — that  the  agents  for  the  sale  of 
scholarships  had  not  reported  the  sale  of  a  single 
scholarship. 

The  salaries  amounted  to  $19,552.78,  those  of  the  pre- 
vious year  having  amounted  to  $22,644.17.  He  reported 
having  received  from  Bishop  Quintard's  mission  to  Eng- 
land $10,986.03,  and  had  paid  expenses  connected  with 
the  same  of  $1,884.24,  and  that  the  $10,000  mortgage  had 
been  extended  two  years. 

The  number  of  students  for  the  year,  1875-76  was  201. 


166  HISTORY    OF    THB 

The  board  of  trustees  met  on  the  28th  day  of  July, 
1877.  There  were  present  the  bishops  of  Texas,  Missis- 
sippi, Alabama,  Tennessee,  North  Carolina  and  Kentucky, 
seven  clerical  and  five  lay  trustees.  Kev.  Dr.  Williams, 
who  had  been  secretary  since  1867,  declined  a  re-election 
and  Rev.  G.  C.  Harris  was  elected.  The  vice  chancellor 
reported  a  slight  increase  of  students,  but  said,  with 
regret,  that  while  there  were  more  pupils  there  was  less 
income.  This  resulted,  he  said,  from  the  fact  that  there 
was  a  greater  number  of  non-paying  pupils,  or  pupils  who 
only  paid  part  of  the  tuition  fees.  He  called  attention  to 
the  deficiency  in  the  teaching  force  of  the  grammar 
school,  and  that  the  salaries  assigned  to  the  teachers  in 
the  grammar  school  would  not  secure  experienced 
teachers.  He  mentioned  the  resignation  of  Tutor 
Seabrook  and  the  appointment  of  Mr.  E.  A.  Green  as 
assistant  in  the  grammar  school,  who  was  also  filling 
the  position  of  drillmaster.  He  reported  also  the 
appointment  of  Mr.  J.  M.  Lowry,  A.  M.,  as  teacher  of 
elocution.  He  mentioned  that  a  series  of  twenty  lectures 
in  biology  was  being  delivered  by  Prof.  John  McCrady. 
He  reported  that  he  had  been  unable  so  far  to  secure  an 
army  officer  for  drillmaster. 

The  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  reported  the 
Hodgson  Library  as  well  advanced  towards  completion, 
and  expected  to  have  it  ready  for  the  transfer  of  the 
books  in  a  few  months.  That  the  cornerstone  of  St. 
Lukes  Memorial  Hall  was  laid  on  the  18th  day  of  October, 
1877,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green,  chancellor,  assisted 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  in  the  presence  of  a  large 
number  of  people  assembled  from  the  surrounding 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  167 

country,  and  that  the  work  was  progressing  satisfactorily 
and  it  was  hoped  that  the  building  would  be  ready  for 
occupation  by  the  March  term,  1878.  He  reported  his 
gratification  in  being  able  to  state  that  by  an  act  of  the 
Legislature  of  the  State  of  Tennessee,  approved  March 
20th,  1877,  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  was  prohibited, 
under  heavy  penalties,  within  four  miles  of  any  incor- 
porated institution  of  learning  (except  in  incorporated 
towns),  and  that  since  its  passage  a  very  marked  improve- 
ment had  taken  place  in  the  community  surrounding  the 
University.  This  act  of  the  Legislature,  now  widely 
known  as  the  "Four  Mile  Law,"  was  procured  through 
the  persevering  and  active  efforts  of  Mr.  Fairbanks  on 
behalf  of  the  University.  As  before  stated,  he  first 
introduced  it  in  the  Legislature  of  1875,  and  procured  its 
passage  through  the  lower  houses  with  the  aid  of  the 
members  for  Franklin  County.  It  was  then  reported 
to  the  Senate  and  was  favorably  acted  upon,  but  on  its 
third  reading  a  member,  who  probably  desired  to  defeat 
indirectly  its  passage,  moved  an  immaterial  amendment, 
which  was  adopted  and  which  then  required  that  the  bill 
should  go  back  to  the  Assembly  for  concurrence  in  the 
amendment,  but  it  was  on  the  last  day  of  the  Legislature 
and  was  not  reached,  so  failing  to  become  a  law.  The 
sessions  of  the  Legislature  were  biennial,  and  con- 
sequently the  measure  could  not  be  again  brought  before 
the  Legislature  until  the  session  of  1877,  when  Mr.  Fair- 
banks again  went  before  the  Legislature. 

He  had  the  bill  printed  and  introduced  simultaneously 
in  both  houses.  It  was  referred  to  a  committee  and 
late  in  the  session  he  procured  a  report  recommending  its 


168  HISTORY    OF    THE 

passage,  and  secured  its  being  passed  upon  its  second 
reading.  In  the  meantime  he  had  also  secured  its 
passage  to  a  third  reading  in  the  Senate.  He  had  the 
active  aid  of  Mr.  Oliver,  the  member  of  the  Assembly 
from  Franklin  County,  and,  the  Senate  bill  having  passed 
in  identically  the  same  form,  when  the  House  bill  came 
up  for  a  third  reading  Mr.  Oliver  moved  to  substitute 
the  Senate  bill,  and  had  it  passed  at  once  and  ordered 
engrossed,  and  sent  to  the  Senate.  He  followed  it  up 
and  there  procured  its  enrollment  and  signature  by  both 
the  president  of  the  Senate  and  the  speaker  of  the  House, 
and  carried  it  to  the  governor,  John  C.  Brown,  obtained 
his  approval  and  secured  a  certified  copy  from  the 
secretary  of  state,  thus  placing  it  beyond  the  risk  of 
failure.  This  law  has  been  of  wide  influence  and  is  said 
to  be  the  best  temperance  measure  ever  put  in  force,  as  it 
secures  all  neighborhoods  having  incorporated  schools 
from  the  presence  of  a  tippling  shop  within  four  miles, 
and  is  an  inducement  to  build  and  sustain  schools.  Within 
two  years  of  its  passage  forty  towns  gave  up  their 
charters  to  obtain  the  protection  of  this  law.  It  has  been 
more  than  twenty  times  assailed  through  the  courts,  but 
its  constitutionality  has  been  always  sustained  by  the 
supreme  court  of  the  State.  Entire  counties  have 
availed  themselves  of  its  safeguards,  and  it  has  such  a 
hold  upon  the  popular  estimation  that  it  would  be  fatal 
to  the  political  prospects  of  any  public  man  to  endeavor 
to  effect  its  repeal.  As  it  does  not  affect  the  cities  and 
incorporated  towns,  the  liquor  dealers  have  no  direct 
interest  in  having  it  repealed.  It  is  perhaps  more  in 
danger  from  the  over-zealous  temperance  societies  and 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  169 

organizations  who  may,  by  their  efforts  to  procure  more 
radical  legislation,  create  a  reaction.  The  law  has 
stood  now  upon  the  statute  books  twenty-eight  years,  and, 
as  it  is  automatic  in  its  operation,  is  generally  enforced. 
The  presence  of  an  incorporated  school  in  any  community 
places  a  cordon  of  eight  miles  diameter  around  that  com- 
munity, and  prevents  the  issuing  of  a  license  to  open  a 
saloon.  The  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  at  all  is  an 
infraction  of  the  laws,  and  is  the  simple  proof  required  to 
sustain  an  indictment.  Few  persons  are  willing  to  incur 
the  heavy  penalty,  and  there  are  so  many  interested  in 
sustaining  the  law  that  any  attempted  surreptitious 
violation  is  quite  sure  to  be  prosecuted.  It  has  certainly 
been  a  great  blessing  to  this  University,  which  was 
seriously  menaced  by  the  attempts  of  vicious  and  willful 
parties  to  establish  near  to,  if  not  on,  the  domain  these 
grog  shops.  An  intoxicated  person  is  rarely  seen  upon 
the  mountain  or  at  Cowan,  where  large  numbers  of  rail- 
road men  and  laborers  are  employed,  and  the  effect  of 
the  law  is  very  noticeable  along  the  line  of  the  Nashville 
and  Chattanooga  railroad  where,  at  nearly  every  station 
of  any  importance,  incorporated  schools  have  been  estab- 
lished. The  State  of  Tennessee  may  count  the  "Four 
Mile  Law"  as  one  of  the  advantages  they  have  obtained 
from  the  establishment  of  this  University  within  its 
borders. 

The  commissioner  again  regretted  that  no  progress  had 
been  made  in  the  matter  of  securing  the  erection  of  a  good 
hotel.  During  the  winter  of  1876-77,  Kev.  W.  P.  DuBosc 
and  Kev.  J.  A.  Van  Hoose  made  a  special  effort  to  secure 
funds  towards  the  endowment  of  a  chair  in  the  theological 


17*  HISTORY    OF    THE 

department.  Tbe  sum  of  $2,200  was  secured.  The 
committee  on  organization  reported  that  they  found  the 
following  rule  in  reference  to  "drill"  to  have  been  adopted 
and  put  into  operation,  and,  as  far  as  they  knew,  to  be  the 
rule  practically  existing  at  this  time,  viz:  "That  the 
executive  committee  consent  to  the  enforcement  of  the 
military  drill  among  the  students  of  the  University, 
except  the  gownsmen— said  drill  to  be  obligatory  upon 
the  University  students  not  more  than  three  f imes  a  week , 
provided  that  the  whole  police  discipline  and  government 
shall  be  proctorial  and  the  military  discipline  of  the 
institution  shall  be  confined  to  the  drill  exclusively." 
The  board  approved  of  this  action  and  affirmed  this  rule 
as  to  military  drill. 

The  committee  on  organization  reported  the  great  neces- 
sity of  additional  teaching  force  in  the  grammar  school. 
That  a  master  and  three  tutors  were  needed  for  efficient 
instruction,  but  admitted  that  the  financial  condition  did 
not  authorize  the  creating  of  additional  salaries.  They 
said  "What  can  be  done?  If  we  reduce  the  number  of 
pupils  so  as  to  bring  the  work  within  the  grasp  of  our 
present  corps  of  teachers  we  shall  commit  a  suicidal 
act — we  shall  let  out  our  life-blood.  If,  again,  we  attempt 
to  carry  on  the  work  of  instruction  without  an  adequate 
force  of  teachers,  we  cannot  honestly  present  our  school 
to  public  patronage.  We  cannot  abolish  the  University 
classes  and  reduce  our  institution  to  the  condition  of  a 
high  school,  for  we  shall  undo  the  work  of  years.  Any 
future  restoration  would  be  well-nigh  impossible.  As  to 
any  diminution  of  the  salaries  nowi  paid  to  our  professors, 
your  committee  have  hardly  thought  of  considering,  for 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  171 

they  are  even  now  at  a  minimum  standard.  Such  instruc- 
tion as  we  should  give  cannot  be  had  without  some  degree 
of  adequate  remuneration.  In  view  then  of  all  the  above 
considerations  and,  further,  of  the  fact  that  the  income 
from  the  grammar  school  is  more  than  adequate  to 
supply  their  needs,  your  committee  cannot  but  recom- 
mend that  the  additional  number  of  teachers  asked  for  be 
supplied.  It  is  suggested  that  your  committee  shall  report 
such  an  organization  of  the  grammar  school  as  shall 
adjust  the  cost  of  maintenance  to  the  schedule  of  appro- 
priation reported  by  the  committee  on  finance.  Your 
committee  regrets  that  they  see  no  mode  by  which  they 
can  honorably  and  justly  do  what  is  suggested.  They 
have  thought  it  better  to  propose  a  proper  and  sufficient 
plan  of  organization  and  then,  if  possible,  provide  for  its 
maintenance.  They  submit  that  in  their  judgment  the 
only  feasible  plan  for  raising  the  necessary  means  is1  to 
give  up  for  the  present  all  expectations  of  creating  a 
permanent  endowment.  Such  an  endowment  cannot 
reasonably  be  looked  for  in  the  present1  financial  condi- 
tion of  our  people.  When  it  comes  to  us  in  God's  good 
providence,  and  in  answer  to  our  efforts  and  our  prayers, 
it  will  come  through  the  munificence  of  a  very  few,  and 
not  through  any  system  of  small  collections,  however 
extended.  It  remains,  therefore,  that  we  bend  all  our 
energies  to  this  one  end:  the  collection  of  funds  by 
agencies  and  the  Advent  offering. 

We  must  tell  our  friends  honestly  our  condition;  that 
we  are  trying  to  do  a  great  and  good  work  for  God  and 
His  church,  and  that  they  must  help  us  to  stand  until 


172  HISTORY    OF    THE 

we  can  gather  strength  to  ivalk.  Nor  should  we  yield  to 
discouragement. 

"We  are  only  called  upon  to  do  what  up  to  this  time 
we  have  uniformly  done.  Hitherto  God  has  niarvelously 
helped  us.  We  started  without  means.  We  have  lived 
by  daily  bread  in  answer  to  daily  prayer.  The  work  to 
be  done  by;  us  is  worthy  of  much  devotion  and  self-sacri- 
fice. Let  us  ourselves  set  the  example ;  in  our  several 
spheres  let  us  work  and  wait  in  hope.  The  same  benefi- 
cent Providence  that  called  this,  our  work,  into  being  will, 
through  our  faith  and  devotion,  carry  it  011  to  its  full 
consummation." 

I  have  quoted  this  report  with  some  fullness  because  I 
think  it  illustrates  very  clearly  our  oft  repeated  and 
chronic  condition  of  straitness  of  means  and  the  faith 
and  trust  with  which  we  have  worked  in  faith,  doing 
what  we  could  and  as  best  we  could,  and  leaving  results 
in  the  hands  of  a  never-failing  Providence. 

A  proposition  was  made  to  the  board  by  Mr.  W.  B. 
Grimes,  a  lay  trustee  from  the  diocese  of  Texas,  that  in 
order  to  pay  off  the  debt  now  due  by  the  University' 
amounting  to  about  $25,000,  much  of  which  had  accrued 
in  consequence  of  the  general  depression  in  all  business 
affairs,  and  the  reduced  income  from  pupils  for  the  last 
four  years,  he  would  give  one-tenth  of  the  same  to  be 
applied  to  the  debt,  in  consideration  of  which  the  Univer- 
sity was  to  receive  one  pupil  from  Texas  free  from  all 
University  dues,  provided  all  the  other  dioceses  connected 
with  the  University  united  in  the  plan,  and  thus  raised 
the  whole  amount  required. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  173 

The  board  approved  of  the  plan  and  directed  the  secre- 
tary to  furnish  each  bishop  with  a  copy  of  the  preamble 
and  resolutions  in  order  that  the  bishops  might  bring 
the  matter  before  their  respective  dioceses  and  take  such. 
steps  as  they  might  think  best  to  raise  the  amounts  which 
may  be  contributed  by  their  respective  dioceses,  and  that 
when  the  board  adjourned  it  should  adjourn  to  meet  at 
Boston  at  the  session  of  the  general  convention. 

The  resolutions  were  unanimously  passed  and  it  did 
seern  that  something  might  come  of  it.  The  plan  was 
pronounced  feasible.  It  required  only  $2,500  from  each 
diocese,  and  gave  as  a  consideration  for  raising  that  sum 
a  scholarship  of  the  value  of  $325,  which  was  13  per 
cent  interest  on  the  amount  given.  Nothing,  however, 
did  come  of  the  plan.  No  other  diocese  offered  to  give 
the  $2,500.  The  success  of  the  plan  depended  evidently 
upon  the  individual  and  personal  efforts  which  each 
bishop  might  make.  The  plan  was  placed  in  their  hands 
for  execution.  If  a  single  layman  in  Texas  could  give  the 
whole  proportion  for  that  diocese  it  would  seem  that  a 
personal  effort  of  each  bishop  could  have  secured  in  each 
other  diocese  an  equal  amount.  One  trouble  with  the 
plan  was  that  it  was  put  forth  in  August,  the  poorest 
season  of  the  year  to  inaugurate  any  financial  work.  The 
wealthy  members  of  the  church  were  off  at  summer 
resorts  and  could  not  be  personally  seen  by  their 
bishops.  The  congregations  were  also  somewhat  scat- 
tered as  well  as  their  clergy.  Before  the  active  season 
of  fall  and  winter  the  subject  had  become  overlaid  with 
diocesan  and  parish  interests,  and  the  interest  in  it,  if 
not  grown  cold,  was  a  good  deal  obscured  by  other 


174  HISTORY    OF    THE 

demands.  This  seems  to  be  one  of  the  disadvantages  of 
inaugurating  any  work  at  our  mid-summer  trustee  meet- 
ings. It  would,  in  that  respect,  be  far  better  if  the 
meeting  was  held  in  October,  as  most  of  our  active 
church  work  is  done  between  October  and  June.  Col. 
T.  F.  Sevier  had  been  connected  with  the  University 
since  the  year  1869  as  proctor,  bursar  and  master  of 
the  grammar  school.  He  resigned  in  August,  1877. 

Notwithstanding  the  financial  pressure  so  evidently 
felt  by  the  board,  they  added  another  professorship  at 
this  meeting,  that  of  biology,  to  which  chair  they  elected 
Prof.  John  McCrady. 

The  executive  committee  for  the  year,  1877-78,  was  the 
bishop  of  Tennessee,  Rev.  Dr.  Williams,  Rev.  Dr.  Ban- 
nister, Jacob  Thompson  and  A.  T.  McNeal.  The  com- 
mittee on  organization  reported  a  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions relative  to  the  vice  chancellorship,  which  was 
adopted  by  the  board  as  follows : 

"Whereas,  the  University  of  the  South  was  established 
by  its  honored  and  revered  founders,  not  only  to  be  an 
institution  of  learning,  but  also  of  religion  and  piety; 
and,  whereas,  by  its  constitution  it  is*  most  imtimately 
bound  up  with  the  parishes  and  dioceses  of  the  South, 
therefore  be  it 

"Resolved,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  this  board,  its  acting 
and  responsible  head  and  the  officer  of  its  discipline,  the 
vice  chancellor,  should  be,  if  practicable,  a  clerk  in  Holy 
Orders;  and  be  it  further 

"Resolved,  That  for  the  best  interests  of  the  University 
in  its  preesent  stage  of  development,  with  its  theological 
department  about  to  be  established,  such  a  clerical  head 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  17i 

should  be  secured  as  soon  as  may  be;  and  that  to  this 
end  the  vice  chancellor  be  informed  of  this  preamble  and 
these  resolutions  in  order  that  he  may  have  full  time  to 
make  provision  for  himself,  and  in  such  way  as  shall 
least  affect  the  University  by  any  sudden  change  and  all, 
if  possible,  within  the  twelve  months  next  ensuing." 

The  Kev.  J.  A.  VanHoose  was  elected  acting  proctor 
and  also  commissioner  of  the  University. 

During  the  year  1876-77,  the  Alumni  Association  was 
formed.  The  chancellor,  together  with  the  bishops  of 
Texas  and  Tennessee,  was  requested  to  renew  the  cor- 
respondence with  the  diocese  of  Kentucky,  inviting  that 
diocese  to  unite  with  us  in  conducting  the  University. 
The  number  of  students  for  the  year  1877-78  was  262, 
showing  quite  a  large  falling  off  from  previous  years  and 
very  seriously  diminishing  the  revenue  derived  from 
tuition. 


176  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Depressing  conditions  of  affairs  in  1878 — The  financial  outlook 
discouraging — The  hebdomadal  board  agrees  to  undertake  the 
work  of  sustaining  the  academic  department — Election  of 
Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  as  dean  of  the  theological  depart- 
ment. 

1877-1878. 

THE  scholastic  year,  1877-78,  was  entered  upon  under 
rery  depressing  circumstances.  The  resignation  of  Gen- 
eral Gorgas  as  vice  chancellor  at  the  end  of  that 
scholastic  year,  the  diminished  income,  the  large  floating 
indebtedness  (and  the  knowledge  on  the  part  of  all 
interested  of  the  financial  embarrassments  of  the  insti- 
tution was  depressing  on  all  connected  with  the  Univer- 
sity) but,  notwithstanding  this  condition  of  affairs,  the 
vice  chancellor  was  enabled  to  make  a  very  favorable 
report  of  the  internal  administration  of  the  University: 
that  the  discipline  was  excellent,  the  students  had  made 
satisfactory  progress  in  their  various  schools,  the 
military  drill  had  been  well  carried  out  under  Mr. 
VanHoose.  In  fact,  at  this  period  the  University  con- 
tained some  of  the  best  students  it  has  ever  had.  Four 
students  had  earned  a  master  degree,  namely,  Davis 
Sessums,  of  Texas,  now  bishop  of  Louisiana ;  W.  D.  Steele, 
of  South  Carolina;  E.  E.  G.  Roberts,  of  North  Carolina, 
and  F.  A.  DeRossett,  of  North  Carolina. 

Bishop  Dudley,  of  Kentiicky,  founded  a  medal  for 
Greek,  and  Mr.  Davis  Sessums  founded  a  master's  medal 
for  Latin. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  177 

The  diocesan  convention  of  Kentucky  held  in  May, 
1878,  declined  becoming  associated  in  the  University, 
giving  as  a  reason  that  the  financial  condition  of  that 
diocese  rendered  it  unwise  to  identify  itself  wit1h  respon- 
sibilities in  the  management  of  the  University.  At  the 
meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  held  27th  of  July, 
1878,  the  following  named  bishops  were  present:  The 
bishops  of  Mississippi,  Tennessee,  Western  Texas,  Florida, 
Georgia  and  Arkansas,  with  five  clerical  and  nine  lay 
trustees  present. 

General  Gorgas  having  resigned  the  position  of  vice 
chancellor,  to  which  he  had  been  reelected  in  1875  for  five 
years,  the  bishop  of  Western  Texas  offered  a  resolution 
that  the  Rev.  Tel  fair  Hodgson  be  elected  dean  of  the 
theological  department.  The  bishop  of  Tennessee  moved 
to  amend  by  electing  him  vice  chancellor.  Mr.  Farrar 
proposed  as  a  substitute  that,  owing  to  the  depressed 
financial  condition  of  the  University,  it  was  inexpedient 
at  this  time  to  fill  the  position  of  vice  chancellor,  where- 
upon the  whole  matter  was  referred  to  the  committee  on 
organization.  This  committee  reported  a  resolution  that 
the  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson  be  elected  dean  of  the 
theological  faculty  and  professor  of  ecclesiastical  history. 
The  committee  on  finance  had  reported  an  indebtedness 
of  over  thirty  thousand  dollars,  and  their  inability  to 
suggest  any  measures  of  relief  upon  which  reliance  could 
be  placed,  with  any  reasonable  certainty,  except  the  issu- 
ing of  bonds  and  funding  the  debt.  They  reported  a 
resolution  that  the  treasurer,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson  and  Messrs.  Jacob  Thompson  and 
Albert  T.  McNeal,  should  cause  to  be  prepared  coupon 


178  HISTORY    OF    THE 

bonds  to  the  amount  of  $30,000,  to  become  due  in  not  less 
than  twenty  years,  the  interest  not  to  exceed  7  per 
cent,  payable  semi-annually,  and  that  these  bonds  be 
secured  by  a  mortgage  upon  the  domain  and  all  the  real 
estate  of  the  University,  including  a  pledge  of  all  the 
rents  from  leases  to  pay  the  interest  and  provide  a  sink- 
ing fund  to  pay  the  principal  when  it  became  due,  and 
that  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson  and  Messrs,  Thompson  and 
McNeal  should  be  trustees  of  such  mortgage  and  bonds, 
with  authority  to  negotiate  the  sale  of  same.  The  resolu- 
tion was  adopted. 

In  this  crisis  of  affairs,  with  a  greatly  decreased  in- 
come, there  seemed  no  way  to  provide  for  salaries  of 
professors  for  the  ensuing  year  upon  anything  like  the 
scale  of  preceding  years,  and  on  the  29th  of  July  Bishop 
Elliott,  of  Western  Texas,  moved  that  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  confer  with  the  hebdomadal  board  (the  pro- 
fessors) to  ascertain  upon  what  terms  that  board  would 
undertake  to  conduct  the  institution.  Bishop  Elliott, 
Rev.  Dr.  Porter  and  Mr.  A.  J.  DeRossett  were  appointed^ 
such  committee.  On  August  2d  this  committee  made  the 
following  report:  "The  special  committee  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  hebdomadal  board,  and  obtain  a  distinct 
statement  of  the  terms  upon  which  they  will  conduct  the 
educational  interests  of  the  University  for  the  ensuing 
year,  report  the  following  statement  or  syllabus  as  the 
agreement  of  the  hebdomadal  board.  The  syllabus  was 
preceded  by  the  following  preamble : 

"Believing  that  the  institution  cannot  be  maintained 
under  its  present  organization  with  its  present  income, 
without  greatly  increasing  its  debt,  while  deprecating  in 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  179 

the  interests  of  the  University  any  reduction  in  the  pre- 
sent number  of  chairs,  it  is  resolved  that  the  members  of 
the  present  hebdomadal  board  give  the  board  of  trustees 
the  opportunity  of  reorganizing  the  hebdomadal  board 
which  is  to  be  entrusted  with  the  powers  recited  in  the 
syllabus  of  this  date,  by  simultaneously  tendering  their 
resignations  to  take  effect  at  the  close  of  the  Trinity 
term." 

SYLLABUS. 

Suwanee,  July  30,  1878. 

"The  hebdomadal  board,  in  accepting  the  proposed 
responsibility,  shall  have  full  charge  and  control  of  the 
educational  interests  of  the  University  of  the  South, 
under  the  organization  and  laws  of  the  same,  including 
the  power  to  raise  funds  for  the  support  of  the  University, 
and  to  associate  with  themselves  any  person  or  persons 
whose  assistance  and  cooperation  may  be  desirable  for  its 
development,  with  strict  regard  to  the  conservation  of  its 
present  relation  to  the  church. 

"We  accept  the  tuition,  matriculation  and  medical  fees, 
and  out  of  tfiese  undertake  to  provide  our  own  support, 
subject  to  such  modifications  as  the  stipulations  respect- 
ing the  power  to  raise  money  may  occasion.  In  the 
hebdomadal  board  shall  be  vested  all  the  powers  what- 
soever hitherto  delegated  to  the  vice  chancellor.  The 
organization  of  the  grammar  school  as  well  as  that  of  the 
undergraduate  department  shall  be  entrusted  solely  to  the 
hebdomadal  board  as  to  the  essential  condition  of 
economical  management.  The  hebdomadal  board  shall  be 
relieved  of  the  support  of  the  theological  professors,  and 


180  HISTORY    OF    THE 

also  of  the  treasurer  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands.  The  chairman  of  the  hebdomadal  board  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  board  of  trustees  from  among  the 
members  of  the  hebdomadal  board. 

"Resolved,  by  the  hebdomadal  board,  that  the  board  of 
trustees,  in  view  of  the  financial  necessities  of  the  situa- 
tion, be  requested  to  reorganize  and  constitute  the 
hebdomadal  board,  and  then  to  let  that  hebdomadal  board 
answer  the  question  as  to  the  time  at  which  the  plan  as 
proposed  shall  go  into  effect.'7 

"In  the  above  arrangement,  as  agreed  upon  between  the 
board  of  trustees  and  the  hebdomadal  board,  it  is  not 
intended  by  either  party  thereto  that  the  organic  law 
of  the  corporation  shall  be  in  any  respect  overturned. 
It  is  not  intended  that  the  board  of  trustees  shall  abdi- 
cate the  authority  and  supervision  committed  to  them  by 
the  church  and  its  charter ;  but,  it  being  evident  that  the 
board  are  not  able  to  provide  and  guarantee  the  neces- 
sary expenditures  for  the  ensuing  year,  the  hebdomadal 
board,  upon  such  state  of  facts  being  made  known  to 
them,  agree  to  relieve  the  board  of  trustees  of  respon- 
sibility for  salaries,  and  to  look  to  the  academic  income 
of  the  institution,  and  to  such  other  resources  as  are  open 
to  them  under  the  terms  of  the  syllabus,  for  their 
remuneration  for  the  ensuing  year;  further  agreeing  to 
take  no  action  whatever  affecting  in  any  wise  the  organic 
law,  or  affecting  the  interests  of  the  institution,  without 
the  consent  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  which  they  especially  request  to  be  continued 
for  the  purpose  of  conference  and  advice  during  the  ensu- 
ing year.  It  is  further  agreed  by  the  hebdomadal  board 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  181 

that  they  will  afford  instruction,  to  be  approved  by  the 
board  of  trustees  or  the  executive  committee,  in  the 
schools  of  physics,  modern  languages  and  of  commerce 
and  trade,  and  that  they  will  create  no  debt  or  obligation 
binding  on  the  board  of  trustees.  This  to  continue  for 
one  year  from  the  beginning  of  the  current  Trinity  term." 

The  special  committee  recommended  that  the  syllabus 
be  received,  approved  and  adopted  by  the  board  of  trustees 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

The  committee  on  organization  reported  that  the  scheme 
submitted  by  the  hebdomadal  board  commends  itself  to 
the  board  of  trustees,  and  the  hebdomadal  board  in  its 
discretion  is  requested  and  authorized  to  put  the  same  in 
operation  so  far  as  the  same  can  be  done  with  the  means 
now  at  their  command. 

A  minority  report  on  the  subject  was  presented  by 
Mr.  A.  J.  DeRossett,  of  North  Carolina,  which,  as  it 
forms  a  part  of  a  most  interesting  and  critical  period  of 
the  history  of  the  University,  is  here  inserted : 

"The  undersigned  beg  to  present  the  following  con- 
siderations : 

"First. — There  were  but  two  problems  to  be  solved  in 
connection  with  the  finances  of  the  University,  viz :  Some 
provision  for  the  funding  of  the  present  debt,  which  is 
done  by  the  issuance  of  bonds  with  a  dedication  of  the 
income  from  rents  to  meet  interest  and  provide  a  sinking 
fund. 

"Second. — The  bringing  of  the  future  expenses  of  the 
University  within  its  income,  which  could  easily  be  done 
by  the  agreed  transfer  of  the  theological  department  from 
the  shoulders,1  of  the  University,  thus  relieving  it  to  the 


182  HISTORY    OF    THE 

extent  of  $3,600.  Then  a  consolidation  of  the  offices 
of  treasurer  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands, 
thus  saving  another  thousand;  leaving  the  office  of  vice 
chancellor  vacant,  saving  two  thousand  more,  making, 
together,  a  saving  of  $6,600.  This  saving  would  bring  the 
expenses  clearly  within  the  income,  and  the  University 
would  go  on  prospering  and  to  prosper. 

"Whereas,  if  the  changes  which  are  proposed  be  carried 
into  effect  it  will  be  regarded  by  the  whole  country  as  an 
abandonment  of  the  plan  of  the  University,  and  be  con- 
sidered (as  to  a  large  extent  it  will  be)  a  private  institu- 
tion, severed  from  the  sympathy  and  support  which  has  so 
wonderfully  sustained  it  in  the  past. 

"The  bringing  of  the  expenses  within  the  income  would 
be  as  effectually  done  by  the  faculty  consenting  to  content 
themselves  with  the  revenues  derived  from  the  school 
proper,  and  without  the  shock  sure  to  follow  so  great  a 
change  as  turning  over  or  leasing  the  institution  to  the 
teachers  to  make  what  they  can  out  of  it. 

"Third. — The  damage  to  result  from  this  sudden  up- 
heaval, in  a  financial  point  of  view,  deserves  very  serious 
consideration.  Our  bank  indebtedness  (some  of  it  due 
today)  is  requiring  renewal,  and  will,  in  our  judgment, 
press  much  more  heavily  under  the  proposed  order  of 
things;  and  if  this  debt  due  today  and  the  reduction  of 
one-third  promised  the  Fourth  National  Bank,  to  which 
we  are  indebted  in  the  sum  of  $9,000,  is  not  paid  on  the 
15th,  as  pledged,  there  is  great  danger  that  we  shall  be 
sued  to  the  first  court  for  the  whole  $9,000,  and  our  credit 
be  ruined.  Months  ago  the  cashier  called  upon  one  of  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  183 

undersigned,  and  wrote  to  the  treasurer  a  most  threaten- 
ing communication  on  the  subject  of  our  debt. 

"If,  then,  the  board  still  deem  it  best  to  make  the 
change  the  scheme  should  not  be  put  in  force  before  the 
close  of  Trinity  term,  by  which  time  all  the  parties  to  be 
affected  by  it  will  have  time  to  adjust  themselves  to  the 
new  order  of  things." 

(Signed)    CHAS.  TODD  QUINTABD. 

J.   M.   BANNISTER. 

J.  J.  SCOTT. 

The  majority  report  was  adopted,  accepting  the  prop- 
osition of  the  hebdomadal  board. 

The  board  of  trustees  elected,  as  members  of  the 
hebdomadal  board,  Dr.  John  B.  Elliott,  Prof.  Caskie 
Harrison,  M.  A.,  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  S.  T.  D.,  Gen.  E. 
Kirby  Smith,  Rev.  George  B.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  Prof.  John 
McCrady,  M.  A.,  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  and  Mr. 
Chas.  M.  Beckwith,  with  Dr.  John  B.  Elliott  as  chairman 
of  the  board. 

The  problem  before  the  board  of  trustees  in  August, 
1878,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  reports,  was  a 
difficult  and  perplexing  one.  On  the  one  hand,  with  an 
increase  of  debt  and  diminution  of  income,  with  a  large 
amount  of  overdue  indebtedness  in  bank,  with  no  new 
suggestions  of  relief  or  plans  of  raising  funds,  and  all 
old  measures  seeming  to  be  exhausted ,  it  was  imperatively 
necessary  that  positive  and  immediate  relief  be  obtained. 
When  the  University  treasurer  first  went  to  New  York 
in  1873  to  obtain  a  loan  of  $10,000  only,  secured  upon 
the  property  of  the  University,  he  found  it  a  difficult  task 


184  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  obtain  that  sum,  even  with  a  guaranteed  interest  of 
10  per  cent;  and  that  for  two  reasons;  first,  the  reluc- 
tance of  New  York  capitalists  to  invest  their  money  in 
the  South,  and,  secondly,  their  unwillingness  to  make  a 
lean  to  churches  or  church  institutions. 

There  being  no  income  whatever  from  the  theological 
department,  it  was  adding  to  an  already  overborne 
weight  for  the  University  to  pay  the  salaries  of  that 
department  from  the  income  of  the  academic  department. 
The  plan  of  relief  thereupon  suggested  by  the  minority 
report  and  the  majority  report  really  differed  very  little, 
except  in  the  details  of  the  financial  management.  Both 
looked  to  the  issuance  of  bonds  to  fund  the  accrued 
indebtedness.  Both  looked  to  placing  the  theological 
department  upon  its  own  resources,  both  provided  for  a 
suspension  of  salary  to  a  vice  chancellor,  and  both  pro- 
posed to  reduce  the  expense  by  one-half  of  the  offices  of 
treasurer  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands.  The 
majority  report  proposed  to  assume  no  responsibility  for 
salaries  in  the  academic  department1,  the  minority  report 
proposed  to  transfer  all  fees  for  tuition  in  full  payment 
of  such  salaries.  The  plan  of  the  syllabus  was  more 
acceptable,  however,  to  the  professors  because  it  placed 
under  their  own  control  the  collection  of  dues  for  tuition, 
which  they  believed  they  could  more  fully  collect  than 
had  heretofore  been  done  by  the  treasurer  of  the  Univer- 
sity. The  sentiment  of  the  minority  was  that  it  was 
placing  the  University  in  commission,  and  was  an 
evidence  to  the  outside  world  of  a  financial  failure  and 
breakdown  of  the  University;  that  the  name,  prestige, 
and  the  verv  status  of  the  institution  would  be  affected 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  185 

and  lead  to  a  withholding  of  patronage  and  gifts,  and 
lessen  interest  in  the  University  as  the  school  of  the 
Southern  church. 

This  would,  undoubtedly,  have  been  the  case  had  the 
course  pursued  been  other  than  a  mere  temporary  expedi- 
ent. A  permanent  arrangement  of  the  kind  proposed  would 
have  been  fatal  to  the  raison  d'etre  of  the  University,  and 
the  interest  of  churchmen,  of  bishops,  clergy,  laity  and 
dioceses  would  have  been  gradually  withdrawn,  and  its 
existence  menaced.  It  was  noble  and  honorable  of  the 
hebdomadal  board,  in  making  the  proposition  contained 
in  their  syllabus.  They  deserve  all  praise  and  commenda- 
tion for  the  spirit  of  devotion  and  self-sacrifice  which 
they  exhibited,  in  being  willing  to  accept  the  income  of 
the  academic  department,  be  it  what  it  might,  as  their 
compensation — but  it  was  not,  and  could  not  have  been 
other  than  a  temporary  measure.  It  was  gladly  con- 
curred in  by  a  majority  of  the  board  as  a  certain  relief 
from  the  serious  embarrassment  of  providing  for  the 
continuance  of  the  academic  department  for  the  coming 
year.  There  would  have  remained  the  quite  as  serious1 
difficulty  of  providing  for  the  debt  already  accrued,  a 
portion  of  it  pressing  at  the  time  for  payment.  It  was 
hardly  probable  that  the  6  per  cent  bonds  of  the  Univer- 
sity thrown  upon  the  market,  having  for  security  wild 
lands  and  academic  buildings,  would  be  taken  by 
financiers  simply  seeking  for  investment,  and  it  was1 
doubtful  whether  they  could  be  negotiated  at  all  unless 
at  a  serious  discount  from  their  face  value.  To  negotiate 
these  bonds  much  reliance  must  be  placed  upon  the  aid 
of  churchmen  and  strong  friends  of  the  University.  The 


186  HISTORY    Of    THE 

Rev.  Dr.  Telfair  Hodgson,  a  native  of  Virginia,  had  served 
as  chaplain  in  the  Confederate  service.  He  was  after- 
wards, for  a  time,  a  professor  in  the  Alabama  State 
University.  He  had  always  evinced  much  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  the  University,  which  was  fully  shared  by 
"Mrs.  Hodgson.  While  rector  of  Trinity  Church,  Hobo- 
ken,  N.  J.,  in  1874,  he  undertook  the  building  for  the 
University  of  a  library  building  and  expended  $10,000 
upon  its  construction.  It  was  the  first  permanent  stone 
^building  commenced  at  Sewanee,  and  upon  its  completion 
lie  added  to  his  benefaction  a  very  beautiful  copy  of  the 
Sistine  Madonna  (now  in  the  oratory  of  St.  Lukes). 
He  was  at  Sewanee  during  the  meeting  of  the  board  in 
order  to  be  present  at  the  benediction  of  the  library  build- 
ing, upon  which  occasion  addresses  were  made  by  Rev.  Dr. 
Hodgson,  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks  and  C.  R.  Miles,  Esq.  In 
this  crisis  of  the  affairs  of  the  University  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Hodgson  gave  evidence  of  their  warm  interest  in  the 
institution  by  coming  to  its  aid. 

In  consultation  with  the  members  of  the  board  Dr. 
Hodgson  had  indicated  his  willingness  to  become  one  of 
the  trustees  of  the  mortgage,  and  to  endeavor  to  negotiate 
the  sale  of  the  bonds,  taking  a  portion  of  them  himself. 
This  assistance  was  felt  to  be  most  timely,  and  suggested 
the  idea  of  associating  him  in  the  work  of  conducting  the 
institution. 

As  a  first  step  he  was  tendered  the  position  of  dean  of 
the  theological  department,  and  was  made  one  of  the  trus- 
tees ofthe  mortgage  debt.  A  resolution  was  passed  author- 
izing the  trustees  of  said  mortgage  to  purchase  in  their 
own  right  any  or  all  of  said  bonds  at  their  full  par  value. 


Rev.  TELFAIR  HODGSON,  D.  D. 
First  Dean  T  heo!ogical  Department  j     Third  Vice  Chancellor 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  187 

The  board  further  proceeded  to  appoint  Dr.  Hodgson 
general  financial  commissioner  of  the  University,  and  as 
such  to  take  general  direction  of  all  the  property  and 
assets  of  the  University,  with  power  to  sell  any  lands  in 
other  states  belonging  to  the  University  which  he  and 
the  executive  committee  might  deem  advisable. 

The  board  also  nominated  to  the  hebdomadal  board 
Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson,  Prof.  John  B.  Elliott  and  Prof.  C.  Har- 
rison as  a  finance  committee  of  the  hebdomadal  board.  It 
will  thus  be  seen  that  for  the  time  being  the  affairs  of 
the  University,  in  its  academic  department,  were  entirely 
made  over  to  the  hebdomadal  board,  and  its  corporate 
department  was  made  over  to  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson.  An 
executive  committee,  consisting  of  the  bishop  of  Tennes- 
see, Rev.  Dr.  Williams,  Dr.  Bannister  and  Messrs.  Thomp- 
son and  McNeal,  it  is  true,  was  appointed,  but  its  func- 
tions, according  to  the  syllabus,  were  "to  be  continued  for 
the  purpose  of  conference  and  advice."  A  treasurer  and 
commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands  were  elected  for  one 
year,  at  a  salary  of  $500  each,  and  instructed  to  render 
to  Dr.  Hodgson  such  assistance  as  he  might  call  upon 
them  for.  In  recommending  the  appointment  of  Dr. 
Hodgson  as  general  commissioner  the  committee  says 
"it  being  understood  at  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Hodgson, 
himself,  that  his  salary  is  to  be  the  use  of  a  house  for  a 
residence." 

The  board  seemed  disposed  to  make  use  of  all  the  time 
and  talent  of  Dr.  Hodgson  on  such  very  generous  terms, 
and  virtually  devolved  upon  him  the  duties  of  vice  chan- 
cellor, financial  officer  and  dean  of  the  theological  depart- 
ment, relying  also  upon  his  very  necessary  aid  in  dis- 


188  HISTORY    OF    THE 

posing  of,  and  himself  purchasing  a  number  of,  the  bonds. 

It  remained  to  consider  the  disposition  of  the  theo- 
logical department,  the  financial  support  of  which  had 
been  entirely  cut  off  by  the  trustees. 

Upon  learning  of  the  action  of  the  board  in  reference 
to  the  arrangement  with  the  hebdomadal  board  the 
theological  professors  presented  to  the  board  the  follow- 
ing communication : 

"The  board  of  trustees  must  take  the  action  necessary 
to  placing  the  theological  department  upon  tfhe  church 
for  support. 

"The  theological  department  will  need  from  the  church, 
for  the  salaries  of  existing  professors  and  the  securing 
the  necessary  additional  services  in  teaching,  $5,000 
annually  at  the  least — an  average  of  $500  from  each  dio- 
cese— to  be  raised  by  Advent  offerings,  supplemented  by 
contributions  of  individuals. 

"It  was  suggested  that,  after  the  probable  election  of  a 
dean,  any  further  organization  that  may  be  needed  in  the 
theological  department,  the  securing  of  additional  ser- 
vices, etc.,  be  left  to  the  theological  faculty,  acting  with 
the  executive  committee. 

"In  voluntarily  placing  not  only  themselves,  but  what 
is  of  far  more  consequence,  the  maintenance  and  interests 
of  the  important  department  which  they  represent,  upon 
the  current  and  precarious  support  of  the  church,  the 
theological  professors  deem  it  unnecessary  to  urge  upon 
the  board  of  trustees  to  take,  if  possible,  such  action  as 
will  awaken  the  church  to  its  responsibility,  so  as  not 
only  not  to  imperil  the  existence,  but  to  insure  the  effi- 
ciency of  a  very  necessary  work." 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  189 

The  communication  was  signed  by  Geo.  T.  Wilmer  and 
W.  P.  DuBose,  Committee. 

The  board  passed  resolutions  saying  that,  finding  it 
impossible  to  provide  for  the  conduct  and  support  of  the 
University  as  at  present  organized,  without  danger  of 
largely  increasing  our  debt  by  exceeding  our  income, 
have  deemed  it  best  to  place  the  support  and  maintenance 
of  the  theological  department  upon  the  church  at  large; 
especially  as  said  department  has  been  for  many  years 
past  supported  by  the  University;  and  that  all  Advent 
offerings  and  parish  and  diocesan  offerings  for  the  ensu- 
ing year  be  used  for  the  support  of  the  said  department, 
provided  the  same  do  not  exceed  the  sum  of  f  5,000. 
That  the  respective  dioceses  interested  in  the  University 
be  requested  to  pledge  annually  to  the  support  of  said 
department  the  sum  of  f  500  each,  or  such  sum  larger  or 
smaller  as  they  may  be  able  to  pledge,  so  as  to  guarantee, 
if  possible,  $5,000  annually  to  the  support  of  said  depart- 
ment. 

The  theological  department  has  received  a  varied  sup- 
port (from  f 3,000  to  f 4,000  annually)  from  the  dioceses 
since  1878,  and  its  support  has  not  been  included  in  the 
salaries  provided  for  by  the  board  of  trustees  until 
recently. 

Unfortunately  the  year  1878  was  a  disastrous  year  in 
the  Mississippi  valley,  where  so  large  a  portion  of  the 
clientele  of  the  University  was  to  be  found.  Yellow 
fever,  that  most  dreaded  of  epidemics,  prevailed  at 
Memphis  and  other  cities,  paralyzing  business  and 
disturbing  the  business  relations  of  the  South.  The 
trustees  of  the  mortgage  indebtedness  had  expected  to 


190  HISTORY    OF    THE 

dispose  of  a  portion  of  the  bonds  in  Memphis  by  the 
personal  influence  of  Mr.  Jacob  Thompson  and  Mr. 
MeNeal  (they  remained  in  New  York),  and  by  the  efforts 
of  Dr.  Hodgson,  but  the  condition  of  the  country  made 
it  practically  impossible  to  negotiate  bonds  at  that  time. 
There  was  pressing  need  of  immediate  action.  The  bank 
debt  amounting  to  f  12,000  was  due  and  payment  insisted 
upon,  other  creditors  were  clamorous,  and  the  existing 
mortgage  in  New  York  of  $10,000  fell  due  October  1st, 
1878.  The  trustees  of  the  mortgage  and  the  executive 
committee,  with  the  treasurer,  met  in  Nashville  in 
November.  Dr.  Hodgson,  in  the  meantime,  had  secured  an 
extension  of  the  mortgage  debt,  with  some  propositions 
for  a  loan.  The  executive  committee  obtained  an  exten- 
sion of  four  months  on  the  bank  debt,  upon  pledging  pay- 
ment within  that  time.  Messrs.  Hodgson,  MeNeal  and 
Thompson  went  to  New  York  in  November  to  make 
further  efforts  to  negotiate  the  bonds.  Mr.  Jacob  Thomp- 
son and  Mr.  MeNeal  themselves  guaranteed  the  taking 
of  nearly  one-third,  but  no  one  could  be  found  to  take 
the  remainder,  and  they  found  themselves  reluctantly 
obliged  to  seek  other  means  of  meeting  the  obligations  of 
the  University.  This  they  were  enabled  to  do  by  accept- 
ing the  proposition  of  the  New  York  Mortgage  Company 
for  a  loan  of  $25,000,  secured  upon  bond  and  mortgage. 
The  bonds  and  mortgage  for  $30,000  authorized  by  the 
board  were  canceled,  and  the  mortgage  of  $10,000  out- 
standing was  paid  off,  the  bank  debt  paid,  and  the  press- 
ing demands  disposed  of. 

Prof.  Frank  Schaller  had  resigned  the  chair  of  modern 
languages,  and  Prof.  Tallichet  had  taken  the  position  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  191 

acting  professor  under  an  appointment  from  the- 
hebdomadal  board. 

The  matter  of  recognition  of  fraternities  or  Greek 
letter  societies  came  before  the  board  in  1878,  upon  a 
petition  from  a  committee  of  the  Tennessee  Chapter  of 
the  Alpha  Tau  Omega.  The  petition  was  referred  to  the 
hebdomadal  board,  with  the  expression  of  opinion  that 
the  board  of  trustees  sees  no  objection  to  allowing  the 
existence  of  the  organization  at  the  University.  The 
previous  action  of  the  hebdomadal  board  had  been  adverse 
to  the  allowance  of  the  formation  of  such  societies. 

The  board  prescribed  a  military  uniform  similar  to 
that  of  West  Point  for  the  cadet  corps. 

A  standing  resolution  was  adopted  that  the  Episcopal 
members  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  University  of  the 
South  were  declared  ex  officio,,  ad  eundem,  doctors  in 
divinity  of  the  University  (which  seems  rather  a  whole- 
sale way  of  conferring  degrees),  and  has  been  since 
repealed. 

Rev.  Abraham  Jaeger  was  appointed,  in  1878,  professor 
of  Hebrew  in  the  theological  department  by  the  executive 
committee,  on  the  nomination  of  the  professors  of  the 
theological  department. 

The  prevalence  of  yellow  fever  in  the  Mississippi  valley 
had  an  injurious  effect  in  diminishing  the  number  of 
students,  as  so  large  a  portion  of  the  well-to^do  citizens 
were  obliged  to  leave  their  homes  and  seek  refuge,  with 
their  families,  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  The  number 
of  students  at  the  University,  in  1879,  was  but  163,  being 
the  smallest  number  for  many  years.  The  salaries  were 
arranged  at  f  1,800  per  annum  for  the  professors;  f  1,000 


192  HISTORY    OF    THE 

each  to  acting  professor  of  modern  languages  and  to  the 
master  of  the  grammar  school;  $600  to  first  assistant 
and  $400  to  second  assistant;  and  if  the  amount  of  tuition 
received  was  not  enough  to  pay  the  full  amount  estimated 
the  salaries  should  be  scaled.  The  unfortunate  part  of 
the  arrangement  was  that  those  who  received  the  smaller 
salaries  were  scaled  in  proportion  to  those  who  received 
the  largest.  The  total  amount  of  these  salaries,  if  paid 
in  full,  would  have  been  $13,400.  The  amount  of  tuition 
received  was  $10,694.33,  leaving  a  deficit  of  $2,700, 
equaling  about  20  per  cent  on  the  gross  amount,  making 
the  professors'  actual  salaries,  $1,440;  master  of  the 
Grammar  School,  $800;  first  assistant,  $480;  second 
assistant,  $320. 


UNIVERSITY    &F    THE    SOUTH.  19S 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

The  academic  department  under  the  control  of  the  hebdomadal 
board — Meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1879 — The  heb- 
domadal board  present  their  views  to  the  board  of  trustees 
as  to  the  condition  and  needs  of  the  University — Financial 
condition  of  the  University — Measures  taken  to  fund  the 
indebtedness  of  the  University. 

1879. 

THE  board  of  trustees  met  on  the  2d  of  August,  1879. 
There  were  present  the  bishops  of  Western  Texas,  Tennes- 
see, South  Carolina,  Mississippi  and  Texas,  four  clerical 
and  nine  lay  trustees.  Although  no  increase  of  debt  had 
accrued  during  the  previous  year,  additional  debts  had 
come  to  light  to  the  amount  of  $4,000,  and  the  sum  of 
$4,500  was  due  to  Dr.  Hodgson  for  moneys  advanced  by 
him  in  liquidation  of  claims.  The  mortgage  of  $25,000  to 
the  United  States  Mortgage  Company  bore  interest  at  the 
rate  of  8  per  cent.  Dr.  Hodgson,  in  his  report  to  the  board, 
recommended  another  effort  to  fund  the  debt  by  bonds 
secured  by  mortgage  at  a  lower  rate  of  interest.  This 
recommendation  was  approved  by  the  board,  and  a  resolu- 
tion passed  that  the  general  scheme  submitted  by  Dr. 
Hodgson  to  issue  a  new  series  of  6  per  cent  bonds  to  pay 
the  8  per  cent  loan,  and  also  other  debts  due  by  the  Univer- 
sity, is  approved;  and  that  he,  in  conjunction  with  the 
executive  committee,  is  requested  and  authorized  to  carry 
the  same  into  effect — the  amount  to  be  limited  to  $50,000, 
and  the  rate  of  interest  not  to  exceed  7  per  cent.  The 


194  HISTORY    OF    THE 

arrangement  under  the  syllabus  with  the  hebdomadal 
board  was  for  one  year  only,  and  expired  at  this  meeting 
of  the  board.  It  had  been  successful  so  far  as  that  no 
indebtedness  for  salaries  had  occurred  and  the  professors 
had  received  nearly  $1,500  each,  which  has  been  their  aver- 
age salary  ever  since.  It  had  not  worked  advantageously 
for  the  grammar  school,  the  head  master  and  two  assist- 
ants having  received  in  the  aggregate  only  f  1,600.  This 
probably  had  something  to  do  with  their  all  resigning 
their  positions.  The  head  master,  Mr.  C.  M.  Beckwith, 
became  a  candidate  for  orders,  and  after  his  ordination  he 
was  minister  in  charge  for  some  time  of  St.  Lukes  Cathe- 
dral, Atlanta ;  then  rector  of  Christ  Church,  Houston,  was 
elected  assistant  bishop  of  Texas  in  1891  (which  he 
declined),  and  was  most  strenuously  sought  for  the  posi- 
tion of  head  master  of  the  grammar  school  in  1893.  His 
administration  of  that  office  during  the  years,  1876-78,  was 
recognized  as  having  been  a  most  successful  one.  He  is 
at  present  writing  bishop  of  Alabama.  The  hebdomadal 
board  made  a  report  to  the  board  of  trustees,  signed  by 
John  B.  Elliott,  Chairman,  Caskie  Harrison,  W.  P. 
DuBose,  E.  Kirby  Smith,  Geo.  T.  Wilmer,  John  McCrady, 
Telfair  Hodgson  and  C.  M.  Beckwith. 

They  preface  their  report  by  saying  that  "a  clear  appre- 
hension of  the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  any  great  enter- 
prise is  not  only  necessary  to  their  removal,  but  even  in 
itself  a  step  in  advance,  and  since  the  particular  obstacles 
with  which  we  have  to  deal  are  several  of  them  such 
as  can  be  removed  only  in  the  course  of  time  and  by  the 
united  efforts  of  all  interested  in  the  University,  the 
hebdomadal  board  believes  itself  called  upon  to  make  a 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  195 

full  and  unreserved  recital  of  these  obstacles  to  the  board 
of  trustees,  and  to  urge  that  all  possible  legitimate  means 
be  taken  to  insure  their  removal." 

The  obstacles  are  as  follows : 

"First. — Want  of  endowment,  involving  want  of  ade- 
quate instruction  in  several  branches,  chiefly  scientific; 
want  of  apparatus,  laboratories,  collections  and  of  a 
library.  A  natural  consequence  of  this  want  is : 

"Second. — A  very  high  tuition  fee,  which  debars  church- 
men of  moderate  means  from  sending  their  sons  to  the 
University.* 

"Third. — The  absolute  inability  of  the  board  of  trustees 
to  meet  more  than  once  a  year  or  to  continue  their 
sessions  beyond  one  week. 

"Fourth. — The  entire  absence  of  any  permanent  execu- 
tive body  resident'  at  Sewanee  and  having  power  to  act 
during  the  remainder  of  the  year. 

"Fifth. — The  isolated  location  of  the  University,  keep- 
ing it  out  of  view,  so  that  the  church  loses  sight  of  it ;  the 
approaches  to  the  University  forbidding. 

"Sixth. — The  location  of  the  University,  within  the  ter- 
ritorial limits  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee,  coupled  with 
the  general  apathy  of  the  church,  producing  a  widespread 

*The  tuition  fee  in  both  University  and  grammar  school 
was  $100  per  annum,  certainly  not  as  high  as  in  many  technical 
schools  for  young  men,  and  much  less  than  in  the  better  class 
of  schools  for  girls.  The  hebdomadal  board,  I  think,  lays  more 
stress  upon  this  point  than  it  deserves.  It  is  not  tuition  fees 
alone,  but  the  general  expense  incident  to  schools  of  high  grade, 
board,  clothing,  traveling  expense,  etc.,  and  which,  all  told,  were 
much  lees  than  in  leading  Northern  colleges,  i.  e.  Yale,  Harvard, 
etc. 


196  HISTORY    OF    THE 

impression  that  the  University  is  and  always  will  be 
only  a  diocesan  school  of  the  diocese  of  Tennessee. 

"Seventh. — A  still  more  wide-spread  impression  that 
the  University  is  a  special  propaganda  of  ritualism,  by 
which  impression  many  are  deterred  from  supporting  it. 

"Eighth. — The  existence  in  several  dioceses  of  theologi- 
cal seminaries,  which  are  not  simply  preparatory  to  the 
University,  but  actual  rivals,  competing  with  it  for  church 
funds  and  for  students. 

"Ninth. — The  intimate  association  of  the  grammar 
school  with  the  University,  which  has  led  to  a  confusion 
of  the  two  in  the  minds  of  many,  among  whom  the  notion 
prevails  that  the  University  of  the  South  is  at  best  only 
a  sort  of  high  school.  The  want  of  endowment,  and  the 
dependence  of  even  the  professors  upon  tuition  fees,  con- 
firming and  strengthening  the  notion. 

"Tenth. — Want  of  the  means  of  keeping  the  University 
constantly  before  the  eyes  of  its  natural  patrons,  the 
churchmen  of  the  South,  by  a  system  of  periodical 
publications,  sufficiently  endowed  and  supported  to  com- 
mand the  respect  of  men  of  science  and  culture  every- 
where." 

The  report  goes  on  in  twenty-nine  closely  printed  pages, 
to  consider  these  several  heads,  and  their  state  of  mind 
may  be  well  conjectured  from  the  concluding  paragraph 
of  their  report,  which  is  pessimistic  to  the  last  degree. 
They  say : 

"In  conclusion,  the  most  determined  optimist  cannot 
deny  that  the  University  has  this  year  to  face  vital  issues. 
Forgotten  by  the  church,  with  a  mortgage  on  all  its  pro- 
perty, unable  to  pay  its  professors,  without  apparatus, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  197 

living  library,  or  any  equipments,  save  hoods  and  gowns ; 
its  only  source  of  revenue  a  prohibitory  tuition  charge, 
its  only  supporters  an  impoverished  people,  surrounded 
by  rivals  which  underbid  it  in  tuition  and  exceed  it  in 
equipment,  the  University  certainly  has  need  of  herculean 
remedies.  It  is  a  mockery  to  say,  'Go  in  peace,  be  ye 
warmed  and  filled,'  and  yet  withhold  the  things  which  are 
indispensable  to  a  University  and  to  a  working  faculty. 
It  is  impious  to  fold  our  arms  in  the  affectation  of  faith, 
when  we  know  well  that  faith  without  work  is  dead.  It  is 
cowardly  desperation  to  shrink  from  difficulties  which 
our  duties  to  God,  to  His  church,  and  to  our  fellowmen 
all  alike  command  us  to  grapple  with  and  overcome.  The 
University  must  grow  or  it  must  die.  Which  of  these 
two  destinies  awaits  it  depends  upon  the  policy  this  year 
adopted  by  those  to  whom  the  church  has  entrusted  the 
sacred  charge  of  finishing  the  work  of  Polk  and  Elliott." 

"The  hebdomadal  board  believes  that  the  plan  of  future 
work  suggested  in  this  report,  if  maturely  considered,  care- 
fully prepared  in  detail,  fully  supported  by  the  trustees, 
and  resolutely  carried  out,  will  result  in  the  new  creation 
of  the  University  of  the  South;  while  without  this  plan, 
or  without  its  perfect  equivalent,  the  fate  of  the  Univer- 
sity is  already  sealed.  In  this  faith  they  have  written." 

This  report  was  probably  in  the  main,  if  not  altogether, 
written  by  Prof.  John  McCrady. 

The  main  body  of  the  report  is  devoted  to  the  question 
of  endowment,  and  a  plan  is  proposed,  similar  in  its 
features  to  that  proposed  by  Mr.  J.  H.  Fitts,  of  Alabama, 
which  was  based  upon  a  general  appeal  for  subscriptions 
to  the  30,000  communicants  of  the  church  in  the 


19$  HISTORY    OF    THE 

associated  dioceses,  divided  into  twelve  classes  who  were 
to  be  asked  to  make  a  cash  subscription  from  fifty  cents 
to  two  dollars  each,  the  bulk  of  the  money  to  come  from 
subscriptions  of  $100,  and  $150,  and  $200;  one  thousand 
subscriptions  in  each  of  these  classes.  A  canvasser  to  be 
appointed  and  circulars  to  be  issued.  It  was  also  proposed 
by  the  hebdomadal  board  to  send  an  agent  to  England  to 
solicit  endowment  funds.  They  also  proposed  to  issue  a 
bulletin,  periodically,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  church 
to  the  needs  of  the  University,  and  to  attract  attention 
to  it. 

The  report  laid  considerable  stress  upon  the  importance 
of  placing  in  that  board  again  the  power  given  in  1878. 

At  the  time  this  report  of  the  hebdomadal  board  was 
made  the  affairs  of  the  University  looked  very  unpromis- 
ing. The  number  of  students  had  decreased,  no  doubt 
in  part  from  the  prevalence  of  yellow  fever  previously  in 
the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  a  general  financial  depression, 
but  of  the  points  set  forth  as  obstacles  only  one  was  of 
any  real  importance,  and  that  was  one  which  has  always 
been  a  great  obstacle,  not  only  in  this  University,  but  in 
all  others:  the  want  of  an  adequate  endowment.  The 
demands  of  higher  education  cannot  be  met  by  tuition 
fees  alone,  and  the  chief  effort  which  is  requisite  to  the 
support  of  any  University  is  to  be  made  in  the  direction 
of  procuring  an  endowment  for  its  professorial  chairs. 
This  enables  a  reduction  t'o  be  made  in  rates  of  tuition, 
and  secures  an  independence  of  patronage. 

The  committee  on  organization  made  a  report  present- 
ing a  scheme  of  organization  of  the  University  to  continue 
for  three  years  from  the  beginning  of  Trinity  term,  1879. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  199 

That  a  vice  chancellor  should  be  elected  for  three  years, 
to  have  control  of  the  finances  of  the  University,  and  of 
the  domain,  including  leases,  etc.,  embracing  all  the  func- 
tions of  treasurer  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands,  and  to  be  entrusted  also  with  the  discipline  of  the 
University  under  the  following  restrictions,  viz :  A  con- 
sulting commission  of  the  members  of  the  hebdomadal 
board,  elected  by  the  board  of  trustees  to  act  with  the 
vice  chancellor  in  the  settlement  of  all  questions  of  dis- 
cipline involving  suspension  or  dismissal,  "and  it  may  be 
added,"  says  the  committee,  "that  to  the  vice  chancellor 
and  this  commission  the  board  of  trustees  may  confidently 
look  for  such  modifications  of  the  present  system  of  dis- 
cipline, especially  as  to  the  demerit  system  that  has 
prevailed  (a  military  importation  utterly  foreign  to  the 
genius  and  spirit  of  a  church  university  like  ous),  as  their 
enlightened  judgment  and  experience  may  suggest.  This 
arrangement  will  supersede  the  filling  of  the  offices  of 
treasurer  and  commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  the 
dispensing  therewith  resulting  from  the  imperious  necessi- 
ties of  the  University,  and  they  cannot,  they  say,  make 
such  a  recommendation  without  a  feeling  of  deep  regret 
at  the  thought  of  parting  from  such  earnest  and  faithful 
servants  of  the  University,  and  of  bearing  testimony  to 
their  devotion  and  worth."  The  committee  further  recom- 
mended that  the  board  of  trustees  should  elect  annually 
a  University  commission  to  consist  of  the  vice  chancellor 
as  chairman  ex  oflicio  and  of  not  more  than  six 
professors,  and  that  this  commission  should  have  control 
of  the  educational  interests  of  the  University  as  provided 
by  the  constitution  and  statutes,  and  be  directly  respon- 


200  HISTORY    OF    THE 

sible  to  the  board  of  trustees  for  their  acts,  making  an 
annual  report  of  the  same,  with  such  suggestions  as  they 
may  deem  expedient.  The  commission  also  to  be  invested 
with  the  authority  to  advance  the  patronage  of  the 
Univerity,  to  inaugurate  or  aid  in  carrying  out  plans  of 
endowment,  to  secure  the  cooperation  of  preparatory 
schools,  to  fill  vacancies  in  professorships  (subject  to  the 
approval  of  the  board  of  trustees),  and  to  organize 
faculties. 

The  board  of  trustees  adopted  all  of  the  recommenda- 
tions of  the  committee,  and  fixed  the  salaries  of  academic 
professors  at  $1,800;  acting  professor  of  modern  lan- 
guages, $1,200;  master  of  grammar  school,  $1,000;  first 
assistant,  $600;  second  assistant,  $400;  teacher  of  elocu- 
tion, $600.  All  receipts  for  tuition  and  fees  to  be  applied 
in  payment  of  salaries  and  current  expenses  of  academic 
department;  and,  if  not  sufficient  for  the  full  payment, 
the  said  salaries  to  be  scaled  pro  rata  according  to  the 
receipts. 

The  same  apparent  injustice  towards  the  recipients  of 
the  smaller  salaries  is  evident  in  this  arrangement  as  the 
previous  year  and  the  result  was  about  the  same,  the 
grammar  school  salaries  for  first  and  second  assistants 
being  reduced  below  $500. 

The  hebdomadal  board  was  authorized  to  collect  and 
disburse  tuition  money  and  fees. 

The  adoption  of  this  scheme  of  organization  virtually 
placed  the  University  in  commission,  in  regard  to  every- 
thing except  providing  for  its  indebtedness.  It  was  a 
virtual  abdication  of  nearly  all  its  functions  in  connec- 
tion with  the  University  management.  The  board 


VS17BR8ITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  201 

repealed  the  resolution,  passed  in  1877,  expressing  the 
opinion  that  the  vice  chancellor  should  be  a  clerk  in  Holy 
orders.  Rev.  Dr.  Patterson  offered  a  resolution  that  no 
person  should  be  employed  as  a  professor,  teacher  or 
tutor  in  this  University  until  he  subscribe  the  following 
declaration:  "I  do  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  God  and  tb 
contain  all  things  necessary  to  salvation;  and  I  do 
solemnly  engage  to  conform  to  the  doctrine,  discipline 
and  worship  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church  in  the 
United  States."  The  resolution  was  referred  to  the 
committee  on  organization  who  reported  that  it  was 
inexpedient  to  take  any  action.  Considering  that  the 
University  is  a  church  institution  avowedly,  and  claims 
raison  d'etre  as  such,  one  can  but  express  a  degree  of 
feurprise  at  the  non-adoption  of  Dr.  Patterson's  resolu- 
tion. Probably  it  was  deemed  unnecessary.  The  board 
elected  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  as  vice  chancellor; 
Caskie  Harrison,  M.  A.,  professor  of  ancient  languages; 
Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  professor  of  mathematics;  Prof. 
John  McCrady,  professor  of  biology  and  relation  of  relig- 
ion to  science;  John  B.  Elliott,  M.  D.,  professor  of 
chemistry;  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  S.  T.  D.,  professor  of 
ethics ;  Rev.  Geo.  T.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  professor  of  systema- 
tic divinity — all  for  three  years. 

Prof.  Elliott  and  Dr.  Wilmer  were  elected  as  a  commis- 
sion in  matters  of  discipline  tk>  act  with  the  vice  chan- 
cellor. 

Dr.  Elliott,  Dr.  Wilmer,  Prof.  McCrady,  Prof.  Kirby 
Smith,  Prof.  Harrison  and  Rev.  Dr.  DuBose  were  elected 


202  HISTORY    OF    THE 

as  the  University  commission  under  the  plan  of  organiza- 
tion. 

•A  committee  was  appointed  with  power  to  take  pre- 
paratory steps  toward  the  establishment  of  a  law  school, 
and  also  to  take  charge  of  the  proposed  medical  school ; 
provided  that  in  neither  case  shall  any  expense  or  liability 
be  incurred  on  the  part  of  the  University.  Bishop 
Lyman,  of  North  Carolina,  founded  a  gold  medal  to  be 
bestowed  annually  in  the  department  of  elocution,  and 
a  plan  of  conferring  the  medal  was  adopted. 

The  financial  report  showed  that  in  the  theological 
department  the  receipts  were  $3,330.29,  of  which  only 
$1,521.44  was  contributed  by  the  dioceses;  $1,103.75  was 
subscribed  by  individuals,  and  $705  was  from  the  North. 
In  the  academic  department  the  fees  aggregated 
$10,820.  The  amount  requisite  to  meet  the 
salaries  prescribed  was  $13,400.  A  committee  was 
appointed  to  correspond  with  Mrs.  A.  M.  Manigault  in 
reference  to  the  expenditures  of  funds  contributed  by  her 
for  erection  of  St.  Lukes  Hall,  and  the  amount  requisite 
to  fully  complete  the  same.  Mrs.  Manigault,  during  the 
ensuing  year,  forwarded  funds  to  complete  the  building. 

A  preamble  and  resolution  were  adopted  that,  whereas, 
Mr.  G.  B.  Fairbanks  had  been  connected  with  the  board 
from  the  first  foundation  in  1857,  that  the  board,  recogniz- 
ing his  deep  and  earnest  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the 
University  and  his  faithful  attention  to  his  duties  in  con- 
nection therewith,  sincerely  deplored  the  loss  of  so  faith- 
ful an  officer,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  inform  him  of 
the  action  of  the  board,  to  convey  to  him  the  assurance  of 
the  high  and  very  sincere  respect  entertained  for  him  by 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  205 

the  members  of  the  board.  In  his  response  to  this  action 
of  the  board  Mr.  Fairbanks  said  that  he  desired  to  return 
his  sincere  acknowledgments  for  the  kind  manner  in  which 
they  had  expressed  their  appreciation  of  his  services. 
That,  after  so  intimate  a  connection  in  various  capacities 
with  its  affairs  during  a  period  of  twenty-two  years,  it 
could  but  evoke  a  feeling  of  sadness  in  taking  leave  of  thei 
official  relation  which  he  had  so  long  held  to  the  Univer- 
sity, the  duties  of  which  had  always  been  to  him  a  labor  of 
love.  That,  imbued  at  the  outset  with  the  enthusiastic 
and  hopeful  feelings  with  which  the  founders  of  the 
University  were  inspired,  sharing  in  a  large  degree  with 
them  in  the  work  of  laying  its  foundations,  in  interesting 
the  public  mind  in  the  project,  in  the  preparation  of  its 
constitution  and  statutes  and  other  preliminary  work ,  he 
never  lost  faith  in  its  future,  even  in  the  dark  hours  of 
civil  strife.  At  the  dawn  of  peace  his  heart  turned  to  the 
possibility  of  a  renewal  of  this  great  enterprise,  and, 
associated  with  others,  and  foremost  of  these  the  bishop 
of  Tennessee,  to  whom  this  grand  scheme  seemed  too  great 
a  thing  to  be  abandoned,  he  gave  his  best  thoughts  to  its 
interests,  and  made  his  home  on  this  mountain.  That 
the  bright  anticipations  of  success  which  illumined  our 
path  shortly  after  the  inauguration  of  the  schools  of  the 
University  had  become  overshadowed,  and  year  by  year 
disappointments  have  followed  disappointments,  financial 
pressure  of  the  severest  kind,  pestilence  of  unprecedented 
extent,  and  other  causes  had  continued  to  throw  a  cloud 
of  depression  over  our  work.  That  retrenchment  had  be- 
come a  stern  necessity,  and  a  strong  effort  to  preserve  its 
organization  had  become  imperative. 


204  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Such  clouds,  he  said,  have  overtaken  at  one  or  more 
periods  of  their  existence  all  of  the  older  colleges  of  our 
land,  some  had  perished,  but  many  have  survived  to  enter 
upon  a  career  of  greater  strength  and  usefulness.  If  we 
are  true  to  ourselves,  to  our  church  and  our  country,  this 
institution  will  be  preserved,  and  the  great  plans  of  its 
founders  be  accomplished ;  if  not  in  our  day,  in  the  day  of 
our  descendants.  It  may  be  our  work  to  preserve,  theirs 
to  enlarge  and  complete.  He  could  not  believe  that  an 
institution  which  has  with  so  little  attained  to  so  much, 
which  has  already  matriculated  a  thousand  students  in 
these  years  of  disaster,  which  has  received  so  many  signal 
instances  of  providential  aid,  is  to  perish  if  those  to 
whom  it  is  entrusted  shall  faithfully  execute  their  trust. 

The  board  ordered  Mr.  Fairbanks'  remarks  to  be  spread 
on  the  minutes. 

An  executive  committee,  consisting  of  the  bishop  of 
Tennessee,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bannister,  Dr.  Shoup,  Jacob 
Thompson  and  Albert  T.  McNeal,  was  elected,  and  the  vice 
chancellor  was  instructed  to  confer  fully  and  freely  with 
the  executive  committee. 

The  vice  chancellor  was  authorized  to  employ  a  clerk 
to  assist  him  at  a  salary  to  be  paid  by  the  University  not 
to  exceed  $1,000,  but  declined  to  receive  any  salary  him- 
self. 

Professor  Tallichet  was  elected  acting  professor  of 
modern  languages. 

There  had  been,  for  some  years,  reports  spread  through- 
out the  South  relative  to  the  manner  of  conducting  the 
chapel  services  of  the  University.  The  ordinary  morning 
services  in  the  chapel  have  been  always  the  same. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  205 

The  Lord's  Prayer,  the  Venite,  a  portion  of  the 
Psalter,  one  lesson  from  the  New  Testament,  an 
anthem,  the  Creed,  and  a  few  collects,  with  processional 
and  recessional  hyinns ;  the  whole  occupying  about  fifteen 
to  twenty  minutes ;  on  Wednesday  and  Friday,  the  Litany 
and  collects  only.  The  Sunday  services  conducted  by  the 
chaplain  were  the  usual  church  services.  Surpliced  choirs 
and  processional  and  recessional  singing  were  then  to 
many  people  novelties,  although  now  so  common,  and,  as 
the  clergy  wore  their  academic  hoods,  strangers  fancied 
that  surpliced  choirs  and  clergy  wearing  hoods  must  be 
ritualistic — whatever  that  might  mean  in  the  minds  of 
not  very  well  informed  peopla  Bishop  Elliott,  of 
Western  Texas,  offered  the  following  declaration  of  the 
bishops  who  were  in  attendance  at  this  meeting  of  the 
board,  relative  to  this  matter : 

"The  undersigned  bishops,  having  had  occasion  at  the 
last  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  at  Sewanee  to 
examine  the  manner  of  conducting  service  at  St.  Lukes 
and  St.  Augustines  chapels,  desire  to  give  the  assurance 
that  the  services  are  in  strict  accordance  with  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer,  and  in  no  way  countenance  the  charge 
of  ritualism  made  against  the  University  of  the  South. 

'•They    could    further   state    that    the    services  at  the 
places  above  named    are    under    the    charge  of  all  our 
bishops  who  are  members  of  the  board  of  trustees." 
(Signed)  W.  M.  GREEN,  Bishop  of  Mississippi,  Chancellor. 

ALEXANDER  GREGG,  Bishop  of  Texas. 

CHAS.  TODD  QUINTARD,  Bishop  of  Tennessee. 

W.  B.  W.  HOWE,  Bishop  of  South  Carolina. 

K.  W.  B.  ELLIOTT,  Miss.  Bishop  of  W.  Texas. 
Sewanee,  August  7th,  1879. 


206  HISTORY    OF    THE 

No  action  was  taken  in  reference  to  any  plans  for 
endowment  beyond  requesting  the  executive  committee  tk) 
represent  the  board  as  a  committee  on  endowment. 

The  board  resolved  that  it  was  in  entire  accord  with 
the  hebdomadal  board  upon  the  subject  of  erecting  a 
suitable  memorial  to  Bishop  Polk,  and  will  take  the 
necessary  steps  to  that  end  as  soon  as  the  way  seems 
clear.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  no  steps  have 
yet  been  taken  to  erect  such  a  memorial,  but  as  the  board 
had  laid  off  a  very  beautiful  park  in  memory  of  the  great 
bishop,  in  which,  there  is  an  admirable  location  for  plac- 
ing a  suitable  monument,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  before 
many  years  such  suitable  memorial  will  be  erected.  No 
election  of  master  of  the  grammar  school  or  proctor  was 
made  by  the  board,  but  the  hebdomadal  board  was  fortun- 
ate enough  to  secure  the  services  of  Mr.  Davis  Sessums  as 
master  of  the  grammar  school,  and  Mr.  Vardry  McBee 
as  organist  and  proctor.  Prof.  Caskie  Harrison  acted 
as  bursar  for  the  collection  and  disbursement  of  tuition 
fees,  etc. 

Rev.  William  Klein  was  instructor  in  school  of  English 
literature;  John  Lowry,  M.  A.,  instructor  in  elocution; 
W.  D.  Powers,  instructor  in  school  of  commerce  and 
trade. 

Suitable  notice  was  taken  of  the  death  of  Rt.  Rev. 
J.  P.  B.  Wilmer,  bishop  of  Louisiana,  for  twelve  years 
a  member  of  the  board.  He  died  on  December  2,  1878. 
A  beautiful  tribute  to  his  worth  and  character  from  the 
pen  of  Bishop  Green  was  adopted  by  the  board,  in  which 
is  said,  "In  the  character  of  that  truly  godly  bishop  there 
was  united  the  simple  and  confiding  nature  of  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  207 

child  with  all  the  noble  qualities  of  the  man.  While 
apparently  unconscious  of  his  powers,  the  most  persua- 
sive eloquence  was  flowing  from  his  lips;  and,  though 
using  no  arts  to  draw  men  after  him,  the  eye  as  well  as 
the  heart  of  all  who  knew  him  delighted  to  welcome  his 
coming.  His  countenance  beamed  with  a  benevolence 
that  justly  expressed  the  overflowing  kindness  of  his 
heart.  Amid  a  crafty  and  selfish  world  he  moved  as  one 
who  neither  saw  nor  felt  its  contamination." 

Dr.  Elliott,  the  health  officer,  made  an  interesting 
report  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  Sewanee,  and  the 
sanitary  committee,  commenting  on  his  report,  says: 
"This  prevalence  of  good  health  may  be  expected  to  con- 
tinue in  any  region  in  this  latitude  when  the  altitude 
above  the  sea  is  2,000  feet,  the  yearly  average  rainfall 
forty-five  inches,  and  the  climate  marked  by  neither 
extreme  heat  nor  cold,  as  show^n  by  the  following  data: 
Winter  minimum  temperature,  5 ;  summer  maximum,  87 ; 
average  summer  temperature,  74.  No  sudden  changes  of 
temperature  occur  in  this  locality.  Epidemics  may  be 
said  to  be  unknown,  pneumonia  and  diphtheria  (but  few 
cases  of  which  ever  occur)  are  of  light  nature  and  yield 
easily  to  treatment;  bilious  fevers  never  occur  unless 
contracted  in  malarial  districts:  and  developed  by  the 
mountain  climate,  and  of  these  the  symptoms  are  of  a 
trivial  character.  Whooping  cough,  scarlet  fever,  etc., 
rarely  or  never  prove  dangerous.  Time  has  fully  verified 
these  statements,  and  twenty-five  years'  carefully  collated 
statistics  would  indicate  that  the  claims  made  for  the 
extreme  salubrity  of  Sewanee  were  well  founded. 


208  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XX. 

The  University  commission  continued  for  one  year— The  financial 
condition  still  depressing — More  complete  organization  of  a 
military  department — Bishop  Green's  hopeful  views  of  ta« 
future  of  the  University — Plans  for  University  buildings — 
Issue  of  bonds— Support  of  theological  department. 


1880. 


DURING  the  ensuing  year,  1879-80,  the  University  was 
administered  under  the  new  scheme  of  organization. 
There  was,  however,  no  material  increase  of  students,  and 
the  plan  of  organization  did  not  seem  calculated  to  pro- 
mote any  general  outside  interest1.  The  professors  had 
neither  the  time  nor  the  opportunity  to  make  much 
personal  effort  to  advance  its  interests.  Under  the  plan 
adopted  there  was,  of  course,  no  debt  created  for  salaries. 
The  new  vice  chancellor,  Dr.  Hodgson,  made  it  his  main 
duty  to  improve  the  financial  condition  by  decreasing 
expenditures,  realizing  assets,  and  endeavoring  to  carry 
out  the  scheme  of  funding  the  debt.  In  pursuance  of  the 
authority  given  by  the  board,  a  mortgage  and  coupon 
bonds  were  prepared  in  the  spring  of  1880. 

When  the  board  met  in  August,  1880,  there  seemed  a 
diminished  interest  on  the  part  of  the  trustees.  No 
-quorum  answered  on  the  first  day.  There  were  present 
at  this  meeting  the  bishops  of  Mississippi,  Louisiana, 
Georgia,  Alabama,  South  Carolina,  and  the  assistant 
bishop  of  North  Carolina,  six  clerical  and  six  lay  trustees. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  209 

The  vice  chancellor  made  a  report,  recommending  a 
modification  of  the  previous  action  in  reference  tk>  fund- 
ing the  debt,  and  also  a  sale  of  alternate  lots  of  the 
domain.  The  committee  on  buildings  and  lands  reported 
adversely  as  to  the  sale  of  any  portion  of  the  domain  and 
the  board  adopted  their  report.  The  committee  on  consti- 
tution and  statutes  reported  resolutions  requiring  the  can- 
cellation of  the  bonds  secured  by  mortgage  (which  had 
been  prepared  under  the  authority  of  the  board,  but  none 
of  which  had  been  negotiated),  and  proposed  that,  to  fund 
all  outstanding  indebtedness,  including  the  $25,000  mort- 
gage to  the  United  States  Mortgage  Company,  a  mortgage 
should  be  executed  with  the  same  trustees  for  the  sum  of 
|40,000,  with  coupon  bonds  bearing  6  per  cent  interest. 
This  report  was  adopted.  The  financial  condition  as 
reported  showed  receipts  by  the  theological  department  of 
$5,117.04,  of  which  sum  $420  wias  a  donation  of  Mr. 
Sessums  out  of  his-  salary  as  master  of  the  grammar 
school,  the  receipts  from  other  sources  amounting  to 
$4,097.04.  The  receipts  from  tuition  and  fees,  inclusive  of 
fees  uncpllected,  was  $12,500.  The  net  results  were  about 
the  same  as  the  previous  year,  requiring  a  scaling  of  sal- 
aries to  the  extent  of  20  per  cent.  The  experiment  of  a 
commission  did  not  produce  any  very  evident  favorable 
results,  but  the  cessation  of  school  deficit  gave  time  to 
place  the  University  upon  a  more  favorable  financial 
footing.  Rev.  Mr.  Jaeger  resigned  his  position  in  the 
theological  department.  The  vice  chancellor  was  enabled 
to  procure  a  detail  of  Lieut.  R.  M.  Rogers,  Second  United 
States  Artillery,  as  instructor  in  military  science,  and  the 
military  feature  of  the  University  came  into  more  prom* 


210  HISTORY    OF    THE 

inence.  Drilling  and  military  exercises  were  made 
more  obligatory.  A  fine  cadet  corps  was  formed  and  a 
volunteer  band  was  organized  mainly  by  the  exertions  of 
Mr.  F.  A.  DeRossett.  Mr.  McN.  DnBose  was  appointed 
proctor.  Rev.  F.  A.  DeRossett,  instructor  of  Hebrew  in 
the  theological  department,  and  Rev.  Sylvester  Clark, 
professor  of  ecclesiastical  history.  The  executive  commit- 
tee was  reelected.  Prof.  H.  Tallichet  was  elected  profes 
sor  of  modern  languages. 

The  committee  on  organization  reported,  with  regard  to 
the  University  commission,  that  they  were  not  able  to  see 
how  any  advantageous  change  could  be  made  in  its 
organization  and  recommended  that  it  be  continued  a« 
it  was  then  organized. 

The  whole  subject  of  raising  a  proper  endowment  for 
the  University  was  referred  to  a  committee  of  five  to 
consider  and  report  some  general  scheme  to  raise  the 
necessary  amount  and  report  as  soon  as  possible.  No 
report  or  plan  was  presented  by  the  committee  appointed. 
Rev.  Dr.  Patterson  was  empowered  to  act  as  agent  for  the 
theological  department,  and  the  professors  in  the  depart- 
ment, personally,  or  through  such  agency  as  they  might 
select,  were  requested  to  receive  funds  for  its  temporary 
support,  and,  if  possible,  for  its  permanent  endowment; 
and  the  bishops  were  requested  to  commend  the  matter 
of  support  for  the  theological  department  to  their  dioceses 
in  every  practicable  manner. 

Rev.  Dr.  Patterson,  during  the  ensuing  year,  devoted 
some  ten  months  to  this  work  and  obtained  the  sum  of 
|1,825. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  211 

With  the  additional  amount  of  $4,000  given  by  Mrs. 
Manigault  for  the  completion  of  St.  Lukes  Memorial 
Hall  that  building  had  been  fully  completed,  and  the 
theological  department  was  now  in  successful  operation, 
thus  adding  to  the  University  one  of  its  most  important 
and  necessary  schools.  Due  notice  was  given  of  the 
readiness  to  receive  theological  students  and  the  church, 
was  appealed  to  for  the  support  of  the  professors.  Neither 
in  the  matter  of  students  nor  support  was  there  any  very 
hearty  response  from  the  dioceses  interested  in  the 
University. 

So  far  as  theological  students  were  concerned,  this  may 
be  attributed  to  the  fact  that  comparatively  few  desired 
to  enter  the  ministry.  The  greater  opportunities  offered 
at  theological  schools  at  the  North,  in  the  way  of  scholar- 
ships and  support,  and  the  influence  of  clergy  not 
acquainted  with  Suwanee,  who  naturally  referred  postu- 
lants to  their  own  alma  inater.  This  will  gradually  dis- 
appear, and  Sewanee  will  send  forth  a  large  majority  of 
the  future  clergy  of  the  Southern  dioceses. 

As  an  indication  of  the  spirit,  faith  and  hope,  which 
animated  the  survivors  of  the  band  of  men  who  inaugu- 
rated the  University,  even  under  the  great  difficulties  and 
financial  pressure  of  1878-80,  the  following  extract  from 
the  address  of  Bishop  Green  before  the  board  at  the  open- 
ing of  their  session  in  August,  1880,  is  well  worthy  of 
perusal. 

"Any  undertaking  proposing  to  itself  such  noble  ends 
as  ours  puts  itself  in  the  pathway  of  God,  whose  eye  is 
never  away  from  it  and  whose  hand  waits  only  the  right 
moment  to  give  it  the  fullness  of  His  blessing.  Our 


212  HISTORY    OF    TEE 

reliance  has  ever  been  on  the  help  of  Him  who  says, 
'The  silver  is  mine  and  the  gold  is  mine.'  Sooner,  there- 
fore, would  we  believe  that  this  mountain  could  be  thrust 
from  its  base^  than  that  ultimate  failure  can  ever  be 
written  on  the  ruins  of  a  work  like  this ;  begun  in  prayer 
and  faith,  and  prosecuted  in  the  love  and  service  of  both 
God  and  man.  Clouds  and  darkness  may  yet  overshadow 
its  path,  but  a  bright  morning  will  not  long  hide  itself 
behind  the  gloom  so  impenetrable  to  our  present  sight. 
It  was  the  privilege  of  him  who  addresses  you  to  be 
present  at  the  birth  of  this  child  of  our  adoption ;  to  see 
its  young  life  nearly  crushed  out  by  the  hand  of  war ;  and, 
afterwards,  to  assist  in  the  support  of  its  first  tottering 
footsteps.  He  sees  it  now  putting  on  the  thews  and 
sinews  of  a  vigorous  youth.  Its  manhood  will  be  reached 
in  no  distant  future.  Your  speaker  dares  not  hope  to 
behold  that  day,  but,  without  arrogating  to  himself  the 
spirit  of  prophecy,  he  sees  through  the  telescope  of  God's 
promises  this  vast  domain  of  ours  dotted  over  with 
families  of  wealth  and  refinement,  the  cornerstone  of  a 
magnificent  central  edifice  relaid  on  the  very  spot  where 
those  holy  men  of  God,  the  great  Decemviri  of  our  South- 
ern church  first  placed  it. 

"He  sees  men  of  wealth  vying  with  each  other  in  the 
costliness  of  their  gifts,  multitudes  of  youths  flocking 
to  our  halls,  scholars  of  every  name  and  nation  coveting 
honors  at  our  hands,  and  our  alumni  counted  by  the 
thousands,  like  the  boughs  of  the  banyan  tree,  taking  root 
in  every  soil,  filling  offices  of  wealth  and  influence,  and 
thus  adding  daily  to  the  strength  and  influence  of  the 
parent  stem.  All  this  may  seem  to  many  as  the  mere 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  218 

day-dream  of  a  too  hopeful  and  over  confident  spirit. 
Be  it  so.  It  is  a  small  thing  to  be  judged  of  man's  judg- 
ment. In  the  spirit  of  that  greatest  apostle,  we  'appeal,' 
but  to  a  greater  than  Caesar.  We  look  forward  from  the 
discouragement  of  the  present  hour  to  the  yet  unseen 
blessings  which  are  in  store  for  us.  Our  work  is-  of  God, 
a  God  that  cannot  lie,  and  with  whom  nothing  is  impos- 
sible.'5 

Mr.  John  W.  Weber  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  gram- 
mar school,  with  C.  McD.  Puckette,  B.  L.  Wiggins  and 
J.  J.  Cornish  as  assistants.  In  the  theological  depart- 
ment David  Sessums,  M.  A.,  was  instructor  in  biblical 
and  church  history,  and  J.  J.  Cornish  instructor  in  elocu- 
tion. Mr.  J.  G.  Glass  was  appointed  proctor. 

Under  the  action  of  the  board  in  1880  a  mortgage  and 
coupon  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $40,000  were  prepared, 
and,  prior  to  August,  1881,  bonds  to  the  amount  of  $19,000 
were  disposed  of,  and  $13,000  of  the  mortgage  debt  to  the 
United  States  Mortgage  Company  was  paid,  leaving  a 
balance  of  $12,000  due.  A  loan  of  $4,500  from  Dr. 
Hodgson  repaid;  and  about  $800  was  expended  on  St. 
Lukes  Hall,  beyond  the  amount  provided  by  Mrs.  Mani- 
gault.  The  board  met  on  the  30th  of  July,  1881.  There 
were  present  the  bishops  of  Mississippi,  Arkansas,  North- 
ern Texas,  Western  Texas  and  five  clerical  and  eleven 
lay  trustees.  The  executive  committee  reported  no 
positive  action,  but  that  it  had  been  only  of  an  advisory 
character. 

The  financial  report  showed  that  the  theological  depart- 
ment received,  in  the  aggregate,  the  sum  of  $2,656,  of 
which  $86  was  applied  to  expenses,  leaving  only  $2,570 


214  HISTORY    OF    THE 

applicable  to  salaries.  In  the  academic  department  the 
receipts  amounted  to  thhe  sum  of  $11,203.34,  of  which 
$  1,133.42  was  applied  to  expenses,  leaving  applicable  to 
salaries  $10,669.42.  The  salary  list  amounted  to  $11,600, 
leaving  a  deficit  of  $1,530  to  be  scaled  pro  rata,  which  left 
to  each  professor  $1,573.  Of  the  $2,656  received  by  the 
theological  department  $1,230  was  collected  by  Dr. 
Patterson.  With  the  view  of  utilizing  the  resources  of 
the  University  under  the  pressure  of  great  financial 
needs,  the  vice  chancellor,  during  the  years  1880-81,  made 
a  contract  for  the  sale  of  all  the  chestnut  oak  bark  on 
the  domain,  and  for  converting  the  timber,  after  the  bark 
was  removed,  into  lumber  and  cross- ties.  The  committee 
on  buildings  and  lands  reported  adversely  to  the  sale 
of  the  timber  on  the  domain,  and  in  favor  of  adhering  to 
the  policy  previously  maintained,  that  only  down  timber 
should  be  cut.  The  board  adopted  a  resolution  that  the 
cutting  of  timber  in  our  forests  should  be  confined  to 
the  dead  and  fallen  trees,  and  the  trimming  of  dead  tops 
or  branches.  But  a  comparatively  small  amount  was 
realized  from  the  sale  of  the  chestnut  oak  bark. 

The  time  will  come  when  the  timber  on  the  domain 
will  be  very  valuable,  but  it  will  be  after  the  large  extent 
of  timber  on  adjoining  lands  has  been  stripped  by  the 
greed  or  the  necessities  of  the  owners,  in  haste  to  realize 
a  pittance,  rather  than  wait  for  the  day  of  enhanced 
valuation. 

The  vice  chancellor  and  executive  committee  were 
authorized  to  enter  into  negotiations  for  the  erection  of 
a  hotel,  a  matter  which  had  been  for  many  years  a  matter 
of  consideration  in  the  board.  The  theological  professors 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  215 

presented  a  memorial  in  reference  to  some  more  certain 
arrangement  for  the  payment  of  their  salaries,  or 
guarantee  of  payment,  whereon  the  board  expressed  itself 
as  unable  to  provide  any  other  arrangement  than  the 
existing  one  of  relying  upon  the  dioceses  for  the  provid- 
ing for  them. 

The  committee  on  buildings  and  lands  made  a  report 
upon  the  matter  of  locating  the  sites  of  the  different 
buildings  which  the  several  schools  would  require,  and 
proposed  that  the  designs  for  each  building  should  be 
adopted  and  lithographed,  and  the  cost  of  each  ascer- 
tained. The  minds  of  the  trustees  would  be  thus  directed 
to  the  definite  object  for  which  they  were  working. 
Pictures  hung  upon  the  walls  would  attract  the  attention 
of  persons  who  might  be  disposed  to  erect  these  buildings. 
That,  while  appreciating  the  permanent  necessity  for 
endowments,  they  believed  that  they  would  come  faster 
when  proper  buildings,  well  located,  were  presented 
to  the  eye,  which  would  give  to  those  who  might  con- 
tribute, the  assurance  that  this  institution  was  founded 
for  all  time.  Many  might  give  large  sums  to  assure 
results  who  were  not  willing  to  assist  in  what  they  might 
regard  as  an  experiment.  In  the  primitive  condition  of 
all  the  University  buildings,  save  St.  Lukes  Hall  and  the 
Hodgson  Library,  there  was  a  look  of  experiment  and  an 
advertisement  of  impecuniosity,  and  there  was  a  lack  of 
dignity  which  must  necessarily  have  impressed  the  minds 
of  students  unfavorably,  while  they  and  their  surround- 
ings would  not  attract  the  patronage  of  those  whose  first 
and  great  purpose  in  sending  pupils  and  students  to 
the  University  were  not  the  Christian  influences,  which 


216  HISTORY    OF    THE 

are,  with  many  of  us,  the  great  reason  for  the  existence 
of  this  University.  We  were  fully  aware  that  a  Univer- 
sity does  not  consist  of  buildings,  and  that  the  most 
valuable  work  and  the  profoundest  teaching  can  be  done 
in  a  log  cabin.  So  we  know  that  God  can  be  worshipped 
in  an  open  field,  but  most  Christians  recognize  the  obliga- 
tion that  the  church  should  be  of  the  most  imposing 
character  within  the  means  of  the  congregation  which 
worships  in  it,  and  that  these  externals  are  helps  to 
worship  itself.  We  maintain  that  the  church  is  interested 
in  the  rapid  success  of  this  enterprise,  and  should  so 
formulate  our  plans  with  regard  to  the  ability  of  this 
great  church  and  the  means  in  its  possession  as  to  com- 
mensurate with  the  same. 

With  the  design  and  probable  cost  of  each  building  in 
the  possession  of  each  trustee  and  in  the  hands  of  such 
agents  as  may  be  intrusted  with  the  work,  and  by  circula- 
tion through  the  mails,  we  do  not  know  at  what  moment 
some  person  or  persons  may  be  found  who,  like  the 
estimable  lady  who  selected  the  theological  department, 
and  our  vice  chancellor,  to  whom  we  owe  the  library,  may 
desire  to  erect  some  building  as  a  memorial  and  call  it 
after  the  name  of  some  loved  one  whom  they  may  wish 
to  commemorate. 

In  order  that  the  whole  subject  may  be  carefully  and 
thoughtfully  considered,  we  recommend  the  election  of 
a  commission  of  four  persons  who  shall  serve  for  one  year, 
and  to  whom  instructions  shall  be  given  to  have 
prepared  by  a  competent  architect  the  designs  for  tne 
grammar  school  and  all  its  adjuncts,  and  the  prominent 
buildings  for  the  schools  of  the  University  now  in  opera- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  217 

tion,  with  the  estimates  of  the  cost  of  the  same.  The 
result  of  their  labors  to  be  reported  to  the  next  meeting 
of  the  board. 

The  recommendations  of  the  committee  were  adopted, 
and  Bishop  Gallaher,  Rev.  Dr.  A.  T.  Porter  and  Hon. 
W.  A.  Courtenay  were  appointed  as  such  commissioners. 

The  Alumni  Association  presented  a  memorial,  asking 
that  provision  be  made  by  the  board  of  trustees  for  the 
admission  of  a  trustee  elected  by  the  alumni  of  the 
University.  The  matter  was  referred  to  the  committee 
on  constitution  and  statutes,  who  asked  that  they  be 
permitted  to  report  upon  the  subject  at  the  next  meeting 
of  the  board.  The  recommendation  that  a  commission  be 
appointed  to  report  upon  a  definite  plan  for  the  location 
of  the  permanent  buildings,  was  well  conceived.  Their 
further  recommendation,  that  plans  of  the  University 
should  be  made  with  estimates  of  probable  cost,  was 
impracticable  on  the  score  of  expense,  unnecessary  except 
in  a  very  general  way.  It  would  not  have  been  difficult 
to  have  procured  the  services  of  a  competent  architect 
to  assist  a  competent  commission,  but,  unfortunately,  in 
this  matter,  as  is  oft  to  be  the  case  in  such  arrange- 
ments, individual  ideas  and  suggestions  predominate. 
The  commission  appointed  had  but  a  very  superficial 
acquaintance  with  the  ground,  and  had  neither  the  time 
nor  the  inclination,  perhaps,  to  thoroughly  study  up  the 
whole  subject  on  the  ground,  aided  by  the  professional 
taste  and  skill  of  one  versed  in  the  art  of  arrangement 
and  proportion,  relative  position,  comparative  value  of 


21«  HISTORY   OF    THE 

effects  of  grouping,  engineering  ability  in  the  use  of 
natural  features,  such  as  elevations  and  depressions, 
gradients,  etc.  The  result  of  their  appointment  was 
simply  a  plan  for  a  grammar  school  group,  by  an  architect 
in  a  distant  city. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

The  University  commission  plan  discontinued — The  condition  of 
the  University  as  to  finance  and  students — Proposal  to  change 
the  name  of  the  University  of  the  South  to  the  "University 
of  Sewanee" — The  trustees  undertake  the  building  of  a 
chemical  and  philosophical  hall — The  Sewanee  conference  on 
the  problem  of  the  relations  of  the  church  to  the  colored 
race. 

1882-1883. 

THK  board  of  trustees  held  their  annual  meeting  on 
30th  of  July,  1882.  There  were  present  the  bishops  of 
Texas,  Alabama,  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  Western 
Texas,  Florida  and  Georgia,  being  the  largest  number  of 
bishops  present  in  several  years,  with  seven  clerical 
and  five  lay  trustees.  The  University  commission  had 
requested  that  the  several  professors  should  be  invited  to 
come  before  the  board,  and  give  expression  to  their  views 
as  to  the  welfare  of  the  University. 

Upon  the  invitation  of  the  board  they  severally 
appeared  and  gave  their  views  upon  the  subject.  The 
board  was  addressed  by  Prof.  John  B.  Elliott,  M.  D., 
Prof.  Caskie  Harrison,  M.  A.,  and  Rev.  Prof.  W.  P. 
DuBose,  M.  A.,  S.  T.  D.,  Prof.  E.  Kirby  Smith,  professor 
of  mathematics,  Rev.  Prof.  G.  T.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  John 
Weber,  master  of  the  grammar  school,  and  Rev.  Telfair 
Hodgson,  D.  D.,  vice  chancellor  and  president  of  the 
University  commission. 

The  financial  exhibit  showed  receipts  for  theological 
department  of  $2,950.  Academic  department,  f  10,752. 


220  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  salary  list  in  the  University  academic  department 
and  grammar  school  amounted  to  $11,600;  there  was  a 
deficit  of  $2,062.  The  professors  actually  received  each 
$1,480.  The  whole  indebtedness  of  the  University  was 
represented  by  its  outstanding  bonds  of  $33,500,  of  which 
$7,500  was  held  in  reserved  bonds  by  the  University  itself. 

The  committee  on  organization,  in  reference  to  the 
subject  of  the  University  commission  inaugurated  in 
1879,  reported  that  they  considered  it  a  temporary 
arrangement,  which  has  now  expired*  and  they  did  not 
recommend  its  continuance,  and  this  opinion  of  the 
committee  was  concurred  in,  and  the  commission  was  not 
resuscitated.  The  board  then  proceeded  to  the  election 
of  members  of  the  faculty  for  a  term  of  five  years. 

Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson  was  unanimously  elected  vice 
chancellor,  Dr.  John  B.  Elliott  to  the  chair  of  chemistry, 
Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose  to  the  chair  of  ethics,  Gen.  E.  Kirby 
Smith  to  the  chair  of  mathematics,  Dr.  John  B.  Elliott, 
acting  professor  of  geology  and  mineralogy,  Rev.  G.  T. 
Wilmer  to  the  chair  of  metaphysics  and  English  literature, 
R.  E.  Nelson  to  the  chair  of  civil  engineering  and  physics, 
F.  M.  Page  to  the  chair  of  modern  languages,  and  Rev. 
Telfair  Hodgson  dean  of  the  theological  department,  and 
Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer  to  the  chair  of  systematic  divinity. 
Prof.  Caskie  Harrison,  who  had  occupied  the  chair  of 

*The  University  commission,  consisting  of  the  vice  chancel- 
lor as  chairman  ex  ojftcio  and  not  more  than  six  professors,  by 
resolution  17  of  1879,  was  to  be  elected  annually,  but  was  not 
elected  in  1880,  although  the  committee  on  organization  recom- 
mended "that  it  be  left  as  at  present  constituted."  In  1881  the 
University  commission  was  elected  for  the  ensuing  year. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  221 

ancient  languages  since  1871,  declined  reelection,  and 
Mr.  C.  McD.  Puckette  was  elected  to  that  chair,  but 
declined,  and  Mr.  B.  L.  Wiggins,  M.  A.,  was  elected. 

Prof.  Harrison  removed  to  Brooklyn  and  established  the 
Brooklyn  Classical  School,  which  has  acquired  a  high 
repute  among  the  educational  institutions  of  that  city, 
and  has  attained  a  large  degree  of  prosperity.  In  1889  he 
received  the  degree  of  doctor  of  philosophy  from  the 
University  of  the  South.  His  death  occurred  recently. 

The  plan  of  a  University  commission,  and  placing  the 
entire  scholastic  administration  of  the  University  in  the 
hands  of  its  professors,  was  a  temporary  expedient  to 
enable  the  faculty  to  carry  out  views  which  they  had 
entertained  as  to  the  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  the 
University,  increasing  its  patronage,  developing  its 
advantages  and  making  it  more  widely  and  favorably 
known.  The  list  of  obstacles  enumerated  in  the  report 
of  the  hebdomadal  board  in  1879,  hereinbefore  referred  to, 

dicated  their  view  of  what  should  be  done,  and  the 

ode  of  removal  of  these  obstacles. 

The  number  of  students  registered  in  1877-78  had  gone 

own  to  183 ;  in  1879-80,  under  the  commission,  it  further 
declined  to  157.  In  1880-81  the  number  registered  was 
187,  and  in  1881-82,  the  last  year  of  the  commission,  it 
only  186.  It  was  quite  evident  that  the  management 
of  affairs  by  a  commission  was  not  the  remedy  needed,  but 
it  satisfied  the  faculty  that  other  causes  than  those  they 
had  fixed  upon  had  occasioned  a  decline  in  patronage. 
One  of  the  causes  operating  to  produce  this  result  was, 
no  doubt,  a  certain  degree  of  indifference,  and,  to  some 
extent  opposition  to  the  existence  of  the  grammar  school 


222  HISTORY    OF    THE 

upon  the  mountain,  not  recognizing  its  importance  as  a 
feeder  and  the  great  value  of  its  preparatory  training  for 
transference  to  the  schools  of  the  University.  In  1879-80, 
the  first  year  of  the  commission,  the  roll  of  the  grammar 
school  declined  to  56,  while  five  years  previously  it  had 
been  137.  Superficial  objections  were  made,  such  as  that 
grammar  school  boys  were  at  their  homes  considered  as 
students  of  the  University,  having  a  tendency  to  place 
the  University  on  a  par  with  those  merely  academic 
schools  scattered  through  the  land,  which  had  assumed 
for  themselves  the  high-sounding  name  of  University. 
Also  that  at  Sewanee,  mingling  on  the  University  grounds 
with  the  University  students,  they  were  all  classed  as 
University  students  together,  from  the  youngest  bare- 
footed boy  in  the  grammar  school  to  the  senior  with  his 
cap  and  gown.  There  was  at  that  time,  and  subsequently, 
some  force  in  the  latter  objection,  but  the  entire  separa- 
tion of  the  grammar  school  and  its  dormitory  have  since 
altogether  obviated  this  objection,  and  which,  it  is  to  be 
hoped,  will  be  still  further  removed  by  the  erection  of  a 
complete  grammar  school  plant  at  a  distance  from  the 
buildings  of  the  University  proper. 

In  accordance  with  the  resolution  passed  August  5, 
1881,  appointing  a  commission  to  consider  the  subject 
of  the  location  and  construction  of  the  permanent  build- 
ings of  the  University  and  grammar  school,  and  to  procure 
suitable  plans,  designs  and  estimates  for  the  said  build- 
ings, etc.,  the  commission  not  being  prepared  to  report 
in  full  was  continued  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  board. 
A  ground  plan  and  elevation  for  the  grammar  school  was, 
.however,  submitted  by  the  vice  chancellor. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  223 

Dr.  John  B.  Elliott,  the  health  officer,  reported  that 
the  water  of  Polk  Spring,  upon  analysis,  showed  in 
100,000  parts  of  water,  organic  nitrogen  0.113,  ammonia 
0.001,  chlorine  2.49,  and  that  the  water  was  practically 
pure,  as  neither  chlorine  nor  ammonia  were  in  themselves 
dangerous  to  health,  unless  in  excessive  quantities.  He 
also  reported  valuable  analyses  of  the  chalybeate  waters 
of  two  springs  on  the  domain.  In  Far  Chalybeate  ( Fogg's) 
was  found  1.73  grains  of  ferrum  carbonate  per  gallon  of 
water.  In  the  chalybeate  spring  below  Green's  Spring 
was  found  1.49  grains  of  ferrum  chalybeate  per  gallon 
of  water,  and  that  these  small  quantities  were  quite 
sufficient  to  render  these  waters  valuable  as  medical 
agents. 

Bishop  Green,  the  chancellor,  offered  on  the  2d  of 
August  a  preamble  and  resolutions,  stating  that  whereas 
in  the  changes  of  time,  under  the  Providence  of  God,  the 
name  of  the  University  had  come  to  represent  political 
feeling,  which  it  is  neither  the  wish  of  the  trustees  to 
cherish  nor  the  province  of  the  church  to  inculcate,  and 
since  it  is  known  that  the  name  was  supposed  to  indicate 
a  desire  to  cultivate  a  sectional  sentiment,  which  was  not 
true,  but  as  the  mere  supposition  was  militating  against 
the  welfare  of  the  University,  hindering  its  growth  and 
development,  he  proposed  the  passage  of  a  resolution 
changing  the  name  to  the  "University  of  Sewanee,"  and 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  secure  the  necessary 
legislative  enactment. 

The  preamble  and  resolutions  were  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee on  constitution  and  statutes. 


224  HISTORY    OF    THE 

It  may  be  remarked  in  this  connection  that  Bishop 
Green  had,  himself,  at  Lookout  Mountain  in  July,  1857, 
proposed  the  name  of  "The  University  of  the  South/'  and 
that  subsequently  at  Montgomery,  Ala.,  Mr.  Fairbanks 
had  renewed  this  proposition  of  Bishop  Green's.  It  was 
quite  characteristic  of  the  gentle  and  self-effacing 
character  of  Bishop  Green,  that  he  should  himself  propose 
this  change  of  name  when  it  was  suggested  to  him  that 
such  a  change  would  be  beneficial  to  the  University. 

The  committee  on  constitution  and  statutes,  to  whom 
the  preamble  and  resolution  of  Bishop  Green  were 
referred,  consisted  of  Bishop  Gregg,  Bishop  Wilmer, 
Bishop  Quintard,  Bishop  Pierce  and  Messrs.  L.  N.  Whit- 
tle, A.  T.  McNeal,  C.  K.  Miles  and  Silas  McBee. 

The  committee  reported  that  in  view  of  the  gravity  of 
the  subject,  and  of  the  fact  that  it  has  held  the  present 
name  for  twenty-five  years,  and  was  so  designated  in  the 
charter,  and  had  acquired  large  property  interests,  that 
the  subject  should  receive  very  mature  consideration,  and 
that,  without  expressing  any  opinion  then  as  a  committee, 
they  recommended  the  committal  of  the  subject  to  a 
special  committee  to  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the 
board,  which  recommendation  was  adopted  and  such 
special  committee  w^as  appointed,  consisting  of  Bishop 
Gregg,  Bishop  Young,  Rev.  G.  T.  Wilmer  and  Messrs. 
C.  B.  Miles  and  Silas  McBee. 

Mr.  Miles,  after  the  adoption  of  a  warm  tribute  to  the 
genius,  scholarship,  zeal  and  faithfulness  of  Prof.  E. 
McCrady,  requested  permission  to  read  some  verses  found 
among  Professor  McCrady 's  papers  after  his  death, 
written  by  him  many  years  previously.  The  board  re- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  22* 

quested  that  they  be  allowed  to  have  them  entered  upon 
the  minutes.    The  verses  were  as  follows : 

"THE  FORGE  OF  THOUGHT." 

Work!  work!  work! 
Prom  the  crack  of  day  to  the  close 

And  half  the  night 

By  a  dimmer  light; 
And  then  thy  needs  repose. 

Toil !  toil !  toil ! 
When  thy  veins  with  life  are  full, 

When  tears  would  start 

And  the  smitten  heart 
Beat  languidly  and  dull. 

Toil!  toil!  toil! 
With  ever  the  Christ  at  hand; 

And  the  forms  which  pass 

In  the  mystic  glass 
Of  time,  shalt  thou  understand. 

Clang!  clang!  clang! 
Let  the  sparks  leap  out  in  showers 

And  the  anvil  ring 

And  the  bellows  sing 
From  harvest  moon  to  the  flowers. 

Clang!  clang!  clang! 
And  a  wonder  shall  be  wrought, 

Whose  head  sublime 

Shall  tower  o'er  time 
The  masterpiece  of  Thought 


226  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Clang!  clang!  clang! 
But  this  thy  curse  shall  be: 

Through  sun  and  snow 

The  work  shall  grow, 
Yet  never  shall  perfect  be. 

Clang!  clang!  clang! 
And  when  thou  art  stiff  and  dead 

The  world  to  late 

May  own  thee  great, 
And  laurel  thy  marble  head. 

But  far,  far,  far, 
In  some  grand  and  silent  sphere, 

With  the  wise  and  blest 

Thou  shalt  take  rest 
Thou  wouldst  not  suffer  here. 

The  students  of  the  University  had  entered  into  a 
friendly  rivalry  with  Vanderbilt  University,  and  for  six 
years  prior  to  1882  Sewanee  had  never  suffered  a  defeat 
at  the  hands  of  Vanderbilt. 

During  the;  session  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  August, 
1882,  the  Kt.  Rev.  B.  W.  B.  Elliott,  bishop  of  Western 
Texas,  addressed  the  board  upon  the  necessity  of  provid- 
ing a  building  and  equipment  for  the  school  of  chemistry, 
and  proposed  immediate  action.  The  sum  needed  was 
estimated  at  $10,000.  Bishop  Elliott  pledged  him- 
self to  raise  $500,  Bishop  Young  $500,  and 
pledges  were  given  by  others,  in  all  amounting  to  about 
|5,250.  With  this  amount  subscribed,  contracts  wero 


Tl.ompson  Hall — Medical  Department 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  227 

entered  into  for  building  the  chemical  and  philosophical 
hall  (afterwards  called  Thompson  Hall  in  honor  of  Hon. 
Jacob  Thompson,  the  largest  contributor  to  its  erection), 
and  at  a  later  date  the  medical  college.  The  cornerstone 
was  laid  on  July  14th,  1883,  with  appropriate  religious 
and  masonic  services.  Bishop  Green,  as  chancellor, 
striking  the  stone  three  times  with  a  mallet  and  saying, 
"Ad  honorem  Domini  Nostri  Jesu  Christi  et  ad  profectum 
sacro  sancti,  Matris  Ecclesiae  et  Studii  pie  et  rever- 
entissime,  nos  Gulie  Imas  Mercer,  Grenn  Promdentia 
Divina  Episcopus,  Mississippienses  et  Chancellor  Univer- 
satis  Australis,  hunc  primariuni  lapidem  Chemici  et  Philo- 
sophi  Aedificii  collocamus  in  nomine  Patris,  et  Filii  et 
Spiritus  Sancti.  Amen/3 

A  memorial  from  the  Alumni  Association  was  received 
by  the  board  of  trustees  at  the  session  of  1882,  asking 
representation  upon  the  board.  The  committee  on  con- 
stitution and  statutes  reported  favorably  upon  the 
application,  temporarily  admitting  a  delegate  from  the 
association  without  a  vote  and  appointing  a  committee 
to  confer  with  the  association  in  reference  to  the  consti- 
tution they  should  adopt,  which  should  meet  the  approval 
of  the  board. 

The  board  adopted  a  resolution,  reported  by  the  com- 
mittee on  buildings  and  lands,  that  no  lease  should  be 
made  for  ninety-nine  years,  being  unwilling  to  change  the 
existing  provision  for  leases  of  thirty-three  years  dura- 
tion, renewable  for  two  terms  of  thirty-three  years  each, 
upon  agreement  as  to  terms. 


228  HISTORY    OF    THE 

THE  SEWANEE  CONFERENCE. 

In  April,  1883,  Bishop  Green  addressed  a  communica- 
tion to  all  the  bishops  of  the  Southern  States,  inviting 
their  attention  to  the  subject  of  the  relations  of  our 
church  to  the  late  slave  population  of  our  States,  and  the 
best  means  that  could  be  adopted  for  their  religious  bene- 
fit; and  recommending  that,  in  accordance  with  the  sug- 
gestion made  to  him  by  several  of  the  Southern  bishops,  a 
council  should  be  held  at  Sewanee  an  25th  of  July,  1883, 
of  bishops,  clergy  and  laity  interested  in  the  subject  to 
confer  together  and  after  due  consultation  to  agree  upon 
some  plan  to  be  presented  to  the  general  convention  for 
the  accomplishment  of  that  purpose. 

A  council  accordingly  met  at  Sewanee  on  the  25th  day 
of  July,  1883,  in  the  chapel  of  the  University.  There 
were  present  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi,  Bishop  Thomp- 
son, assistant  bishop  of  Mississippi,  Bishop  Gregg  of 
Texas,  Bishop  Wilmer  of  Alabama,  Bishop  Quintard  of 
Tennessee,  Bishop  Young  of  Florida,  Bishop  Robertson  of 
Missouri,  Bishop  Howe  of  South  Carolina,  Bishop  Lyman 
of  North  Carolina,  Bishop  Elliott  of  Western  Texas, 
Bishop  Dudley  of  Kentucky,  Bishop  Peterkin  of  West 
Virginia  and  Penick,  bishop  of  Africa,  and  a  very 
considerable  number  of  prominent  clergymen  and  laymen 
from  the  Southern  dioceses.  Bishop  Green  acted  as 
chairman,  and  Rev.  Dr.  F.  A.  Shoup  as  secretary.  The 
dioceses  w^ere  called  in  order  and  one  member  from  each 
diocese  asked  to  present  such  views  or  suggestions  as  he 
deemed  proper  and,  when  all  had  been  heard,  all  the 
propositions  and  suggestions  presented  were  referred  to 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  22» 

a  committee  to  report  for  the  action  of  the  conference. 

This  committee  consisted  of  Bishops  Gregg,  Lyman, 
Dudley,  Thompson,  Rev.  Drs.  Williams,  Porter,  Powers, 
Harris  and  Grey,  and  Messrs.  McNeal,  Farrar,  Footman, 
Miles  and  Whittle. 

On  the  fourth  day  of  the  conference  the  committee 
reported  at  some  length  and  proposed  a  draft  of  canon 
to  be  presented  to  the  general  convention  appointed  to  be 
held  in  Philadelphia  in  October,  1883,  entitled  a  canon 
"of  missionary  organization  within  constituted  Episcopal 
jurisdiction,"  consisting  of  five  sections.  Section  first 
authorized,  in  any  diocese  containing  a  large  number  of 
persons  of  color,  it  should  be  lawful  for  the  bishop  and 
convention  to  constitute  such  population  into  a  special 
missionary  organization  under  the  charge  of  the  bishop. 
The  second,  third  and  fourth  sections  provided  for  the 
manner  of  carrying  out  such  organization.  The  fifth 
section  provided  that  congregations  organized  under  the 
provisions  of  this  canon  might  be  received  into  union 
with  the  convention  of  the  diocese  on  such  terms  and  by 
such  process  as  provided  by  such  diocesan  convention, 
but,  until  such  reception  into  union  with  the  convention, 
the  clergy  in  such  missionary  organizations  were  to  be 
listed  separately  from  the  clergy  of  the  diocese. 

Bishop  Wilmer,  of  Alabama,  dissented  from  the  report  \ 
as  to  the  proposed  canon  because,  in  his  opinion,  "it^ 
involved  the  idea  of  class  legislation."     Bishops  Howe, 
Dudley,  Dr.  A.  T.  Porter,  Rev.  P.  G.  Roberts  and  Messrs. 
A.  T.  McNeal  and  G.  R.  Fairbanks  were  appointed  a 
committee  to  lay  the  proceedings  of  the  conference  before 
the  general  convention. 


230  BISTORT    OF    THE 

The  committee,  in  October,  1883,  presented  the  report 
of  the  conference  to  the  general  convention,  where  the 
subject  brought  out  considerable  discussion  and  was 
finally  referred  to  a  special  committee  of  which  Rev.  Dr. 
A.  T.  Porter  was  chairman.  The  committee  reported  a 
canon  in  accordance  with  the  recommendations  of  the 
Sewanee  conference.  The  proposed  canon  having  been 
referred  to  the  committee  on  canons  of  the  house  of 
deputies,  of  which  Rev.  Dr.  Watson  was  chairman,  was 
reported  upon  adversely  upon  the  ground  of  its  want  of 
adaptability  to  the  dioceses  in  general,  and  because  the 
committee  was  of  the  opinion  that  the  respective  dioceses 
have  already  all  the  power  requisite  to  provide  every 
suitable  agency,  so  that  no  legislation  was  necessary. 
The  committee  also  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  church 
could  not  too  carefully  avoid  the  appearance  of  drawing 
lines  of  classification  and  distinction  between  followers 
of  our  common  Lord,  and  which  might  produce  dissension 
in  that  portion  of  the  church  intended  to  be  benefited. 
The  committee  reported  a  resolution  that  the  work  of  the 
church  among  the  colored  people  ought  to  be  regarded 
as  a  common  work  of  our  whole  body,  and  receive  a  large 
share  of  the  care  and  benefactions  of  the  board  of  mis- 
sions, and  that  the  board  of  missions  be  requested  to  take 
the  subject  into  immediate  consideration  and  appropriate 
as  large  a  sum  as  possible  to  the  missions  of  the  church 
among  colored  people  in  all  parts  of  the  church. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  canons  was  approved 
by  the  house.  Although  the  plan  suggested  by  the 
Sewanee  conference  was  not  accepted  by  the  general  con- 
vention, yet  the  work  of  the  conference  bore  fruit  in 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  231 

attracting  the  attention  of  the  church  to  the  religious 
care  of  the  colored  race,  and  eventually  secured  the  very 
considerable  appropriations  made  since  for  the  mission 
work  among  these  people  under  the  direction  of  the 
bishops  of  the  several  dioceses.  The  Sewanee  conference 
may  be  regarded  as  the  first  important  practical  step 
towards  influencing  the  mind  of  the  church  towards, 
undertaking  the  performance  of  the  duty  so  plainly 
resting  on  the  church  to  care  for  the  colored  race  in  our 
midst. 


232  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Report  of  the  special  committee  of  the  board  of  trustees  upon  th« 
change  of  name — The  views  of  the  vice  chancellor,  Rev.  Dr. 
Hodgson,  in  reference  thereto — Organization  of  hotel  com- 
pany— Completion  of  Thompson  Hall — Constitution  amended 
to  give  representation  to  missionary  jurisdictions  and  the 
alumni. 

1883. 

AT  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  August,  1883, 
the  first  subject  which  came  up  for  consideration  was  the 
report  of  the  special  committee,  appointed  the  previous 
year  in  reference  to  the  proposed  change  of  name  of  the 
University.  As  this  subject,  from  time  to  time,  came 
up  for  discussion,  especially  in  the  earlier  stages  of  the 
history  of  the  University,  and  as  there  was  supposed  to 
exist  very  decided  antagonisms  between  the  people  of 
the  North  and  South,  which  by  some  seemed  to  be 
reflected  and  continued  by  the  continuance  of  the  name  of 
"The  University  of  the  South,"  the  report  of  the  special 
committee  appointed  to  consider  this  question,  signed  by 
a  representative  committee,  Bishop  Gregg,  a  native  of 
South  Carolina,  and  Bishop  Young,  a  native  of  Maine, 
Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer  and  L.  N.  Whittle,  Esq.,  natives  of 
Virginia,  and  A.  T.  McNeal,  Esq.,  of  Tennessee,  is  of 
permanent  value,  as  containing  a  candid  and  impartial 
consideration  of  the  reasons  for  the  original  adoption 
of  the  name,  its  continuance,  and  why  it  would  be 
inexpedient  to  make  any  change.  Embarrassed  by  a 
deficient  income  and  a  decrease  of  students,  it  was  quite 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2SS 

natural  that  expression  should  be  given  to  the  idea  that 
the  University  failed  to  receive  sympathy  and  support 
from  Northern  churchmen  on  account  of  the  name  appear- 
ing to  them  to  represent  a  sectional  sentiment  and 
sectional  ideas,  and  that  if  such  was  the  case  it  might 
be  the  part  of  wisdom  to  remove  such  an  obstacle  to 
the  reception  of  aid  and  sympathy.  The  endowment  of 
the  Methodist  University  at  Nashville  by  the  Vanderbilts 
of  New  York,  nominally  at  least  church  people,  and  the 
naming  of  that  University  after  its  principal  benefactor, 
suggested  that  perhaps  similar  gifts  might  come  to  the 
institution  at  Sewanee  if  the  supposed  prejudices  against 
what  might  be  regarded  as  a  sectional  name  were  removed. 

The  vice  chancellor.  Rev.  Dr.  Telfair  Hodgson,  in  his 
report  to  the  board  of  trustees  at  its  August  meeting,  in 
1883,  expressed  his  views  of  the  proposed  change  of  name 
as  follows: 

"In  regard  to  the  proposed  change  of  the  name  of  the 
University,  your  vice  chancellor  would  say  that  he  has  the 
opinion  of  -  —  and  many  other  strong  Republicans  who 
have  no  love  for  the  South,  that  a  change  of  name  would 
be  too  transparent  a  manoeuvre,  to  secure  money  from  a 
Northern  man  who  ever  heard  of  its  old  name.  These 
gentlemen  did  not  like  the  name,  but  they  could  not  fail 
to  respect  it,  and  the  idea  that  it  represented,  its  name  is 
simply  a  dignified  and  courageous  bid  for  patronage  from 
a  large  and  powerful  section  of  this  country,  which  will 
one  day  be  just  as  rich  as  the  North,  a  section  which, 
when  it  has  become  rich,  will  still  bear  the  name  of  South, 
and  by  its  riches  will  make  men  proud  to  be  Southerner*, 


234  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  which  will  also  command  the  respect  of  those  all  over 
the  land  who  affect  to  despise  it  now. 

"In  that  day,  if  this  University  change  its  name  now, 
our  own  section  will  not  fail  to  remember  that  this 
University  forgot  to  be  patient  and  long-suffering  with 
its  own  country,  and  discarded  even  her  own  name  for 
the  flesh  pots  of  another  section,  which  even  a  change  of 
name  (ninety-nine  chances  to  one  hundred)  will  not 
guarantee  her. 

"Whatever  the  name  of  the  University  might  have  been 
in  its  inception,  it  is  certainly  not  political  now,  it  is 
only  geographical.  It  could  not  be  The  University  of 
Tennessee/  the  State  has  appropriated  that  name  to  its 
own  University.  As  grand  a  conception  as  this  could  not 
certainly  have  a  less  dignified  name,  and  'Sewanee,'  an 
Indian  name,  is  less  so,  it  has  no  significance  to  those  who 
have  never  been  here,  the  word  'Sewanee'  pronounced  to 
strange  ears,  produces  no  impression  whatever,  but  the 
name  'University  of  the  South'  is  far  different.  To  those 
who  still  hate  the  South  it  brings  a  howl  of  indignation, 
and  to  the  lips  of  those  who  love  the  South,  the  question 
1  Where  is  the  place?'  Surely  such  effects  prove  the  idea 
of  this  name  to  have  been  an  inspiration.  The  change  of 
name  would  be  simply  to  get  money.  Your  vice  chancellor 
does  not  believe  that  a  single  member  of  this  board  desires 
it.  He  has  known  of  men  changing  their  names  to  inherit 
a  fortune,  and  after  all  not  getting  the  fortune,  and  ever 
after  being  filled  with  a  feeling  of  self-reproach  for  loss 
of  self-respect.  So  it  might  be  with  the  University  of  the 
South.  Let  us  not  forget  the  words  of  the  wise  man 
(Prov.  22,  1),  'A  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than 
great  riches.' " 


UXIVSRS1TY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  235 

it  is  unlikely  that  the  subject  will  ever  come  up  again 
in  view  of  the  almost  complete  disappearance  of  any 
prejudice  to  the  name,  and  that  the  name  "Sewanee"  is 
being  now  almost  as  frequently  used  to  designate  the 
University  as  its  corporate  name,  indicating  that  the 
name  is  regarded  as  a  geographical  designation  of  its 
location. 

At  this  meeting  of  the  board  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose, 
S.  T.  D.,  who  had  held  the  office  of  chaplain  since  the 
year  1871,  tendered  his  resignation  in  consequence  of  the 
pressure  of  other  professional  work,  and  the  Rev.  Thomas 
F.  Gailor  was  unanimously  elected  chaplain,  in  addition 
to  his  duties  as  professor  of  ecclesiastical  history  and 
church  polity,  to  which  he  had  been  elected  in  1882. 

Prof.  R.  E.  Nelson  tendered  his  resignation  of  the  chair 
of  engineering  and  physics,  to  which  he  had  been  elected 
the  previous  year,  and  Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup  was  elected  to 
that  chair,  Dr.  Shoup  was  originally  appointed  professor 
of  mathematics  in  1869,  and  professor  of  mathematics 
upon  the  organization  of  the  University  faculty  in  1870. 
He  performed  the  duties  of  chaplain  until  the  election  of 
Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose  in  1872.  He  resigned  the  chair  of 
mathematics  in  1875,  and  severed  his  connection  with  the 
University,  subsequently  engaging  in  ministerial  work  at 
Waterford,  in  the  diocese  of  Albany,  and  also  later  in 
Tennessee.  He  was  secretary  of  the  board  of  trustees  in 
the  year  1882,  and  filled  the  chair  of  engineering  and 
physics  until  his  death  in  1896. 

A  proposition  came  from  the  committee  on  board  and 
boarding  houses,  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Porter,  Rev.  Mr.  Lee  and 
Mr.  McBee,  at  the  session  of  the  board  in  1883,  to  erect 


236  HISTORY    OF    THE 

a  students'  hall  planned  after  St.  Lukes  Memorial  Hall, 
at  an  initial  expenditure  of  $8,000.  Rent  to  be  charged 
each  student  at  the  rate  of  $10  per  term,  which,  it 
was  estimated,  would  more  than  cover  the  interest  on 
the  investment.  The  hall  to  accommodate  seventy-five 
students,  but  not  to  provide  for  their  board.  The  vice 
chancellor  to  use  the  unissued  bonds  of  $6,500  for  the 
purpose  and  the  balance  to  be  provided  for  from  the  sale 
of  Texas  lands.  The  whole  matter  was  referred  to  the 
executive  committee  to  report  upon  the  following  year.* 

The  committee  on  boarding  houses  could  not  have 
contemplated  the  erection  of  anything  but  a  very  cheap 
wooden  building  for  an  estimated  cost  of  $8,000,  as 
St.  Lukes  Memorial  Hall,  a  stone  building  four  stories, 
accommodating  only  thirty-six  students,  cost  about 
$33,000. 

The  executive  committee,  in  their  report  the  following 
year,  made  no  reference  to  the  matter;  doubtless  deeming 
the  plan  proposed  impracticable,  and  the  amount  proposed 
to  be  expended  inadequate  for  the  construction  of  the 
proposed  hall.  The  cornerstone  of  the  Philosophical  and 
Chemical  Hall  having  only  been  laid  on  July  14th,  not 
much  progress  on  the  building  could  be  reported.  The 
committee  on  buildings  and  lands  expressed  their  gratifi- 
cation that  the  Chemical  Hall  had  been  commenced,  and 
hoped  the  money  necessary  to  complete  it  would  be  fur- 
nished by  voluntary  subscriptions ;  and  further  expressed 

*The  board  wisely  deferred  action  upon  this  proposal,  which 
contemplated  only  quarters,  and  sixteen  years  later  Dr.  C.  P. 
Hoffman,  without  expense  to  the  University,  erected  Hoffman 
Hall  as  a  dormitory  and  refectory  for  juniors. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  237 

the  salutary  opinion,  that  it  was  not  the  policy  of  the 
University  to  devote  its  current  means  to  the  erection  of 
buildings.  It  would  be  as  much  as  it  could  do  to  keep 
them  insured  and  in  repair,  and  that  in  regard  to  addi- 
tional permanent  buildings  they  were  unable  to  recom- 
mend any  present  action. 

That,  considering  the  expense  of  procuring  architectural 
designs  and  the  necessity  of  a  very  complete  and  compre- 
hensive study  of  the  subject,  they  were  of  the  opinion  that 
any  definite  action  at  that  time  would  not  be  expedient: 
moreover,  there  seemed  to  be  no  immediate  necessity  of 
any  action  being  taken. 

The  subject  of  a  hotel  was  referred  to  a  special  com- 
mittee with  full  power  to  organize  a  joint  stock  company 
for  such  purpose,  but  no  liability  was  to  be  incurred  on 
account  of  the  same  by  the  University. 

The  board  was  much  gratified  at  the  very  substantial 
gift  by  Mrs.  Azenath  Sherwood,  of  Elgin,  111.,  of  5,000 
acres  of  laud  in  Texas.  Article  17  of  the  constitution 
was  amended  so  as  to  provide  for  representation  in  the 
board  of  trustees  of  subdivided  dioceses  and  missionary 
jurisdictions. 

The  number  of  students  in  all  departments  for  1883-84 
remained  the  same  as  the  previous  year,  182  only. 

Gen.  Josiah  Gorgas,  who  had  filled  the  position  of  vice 
chancellor  after  the  resignation  of  Bishop  Quintard  in 
1871,  up  to  his  resignation  in  August,  1878,  was  after- 
wards connected  with  the  University  of  Alabama  at 
Tuscaloosa,  at  which  place  he  died  in  May,  1883.  General 
Gorgas  was  an  officer  in  the  ordnance  corps  in  the  United 
States  Army  prior  to  the  Civil  War,  and  resigned  to  take 


238  HISTORY    OF    THE 

office  in  the  army  of  the  Confederate  States.  He  was 
appointed  a  brigadier-general  and  chief  of  ordnance,  and 
showed  conspicuous  ability  in  the  management  of  the 
affairs  of  his  department,  to  which  most  of  the  success 
which  attended  the  Confederate  arms  was  due.  Upon  the 
organization  of  the  junior  department  of  the  University 
of  the  South,  in  1868,  he  was  selected  as  the  official  head, 
and  subsequently  vice  chancellor.  The  minute  passed  by 
the  board  at  the  session  of  1883,  justly  says :  "During  all 
the  period  of  his  connection  with  the  University  his  rule 
was  signalized  by  the  most  exact  and  patient  performance 
of  the  duties  of  his  position,  all  with  a  sweet  and  gentle 
courtesy." 

The  Chemical  and  Philosophical  Hall,  known  as  Thomp- 
son Hall,  and  now  as  the  Medical  Department,  was  com- 
pleted during  the  year  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  board 
of  trustees  in  July,  1884;  its  cost  having  somewhat 
exceeded  the  estimates,  as  not  unusually  happens.  Subse- 
quently considerable  sums  have  been  expended  in  repairs 
of  work  improprly  done,  and  in  finishing  off  the  third 
story  with  suitable  rooms.  It  was  the  first  permanent 
building  erected  for  academical  purposes. 

During  these  years  the  expense  account  and  floating 
debt  gradually  increased  until,  in  1885,  a  balance  of  over 
f8,300  was  due  Dr.  Hodgson  as  treasurer.  And  from 
August,  1884,  to  August,  1885,  $4,400  was  paid  out 
for  expenses  and  repairs,  making  a  large  deficit  in  the 
income  available  for  such  purposes. 

An  amendment  to  the  constitution  was  adopted  in 
August,  1884,  as  Article  20,  giving  to  the  Associated 
Alumni  representation  in  the  board  of  trustees,  of  one 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  2J» 

clerical  and  two  lay  trustees  to  be  elected  by  the  associa- 
tion and  to  hold  office  for  a  term  of  three  years. 

Thereupon  Eev.  Davis  Sessums,  M.  A.,  as  clerical 
trustee,  and  Fielding  Vaughan  and  A.  S.  Smith  as  lay 
trustees,  were  admitted  to  seats  in  the  board. 

An  agreement  was  authorized  to  be  made  with  the 
University  Hotel  Company  for  establishing  and  maintain- 
ing a  hotel,  under  which  agreement  the  premises  at  the 
junction  of  University  and  Sew^anee  Avenues  were  enlarged 
and  opened  as  a  hotel,  and  continued  to  be  occupied  and 
used  as  such  (with  very  considerable  enlargements)  until 
the  property  went  into  the  hands  of  a  receiver,  and  it 
was  sold  to  the  University  for  the  sum  of  $5,500.  The 
property  cost  the  stockholders  of  the  hotel  company  over 
$20,000.  The  University  occupied  it  as  a  dormitory  for 
the  grammar  school,  for  which  purpose  it  had  a  capacity 
for  about  sixty-five  students.  It  was,  however,  used  as 
such  until  better  arrangementsi  could  be  made,  now 
happily  accomplished  by  the  erection  of  Quintard 
Memorial  Hall. 


240  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Proposition  made  to  erect  a  grammar  school  plant  near  Morgan 
Steep — Renewal  of  approval  of  Bishop  Hopkins'  plans — Lay- 
ing of  the  cornerstone  of  Convocation  Hall. 

1884-1886. 

THE  vice  chancellor,  in  his  report  to  the  board  of 
trustees  in  August,  1884,  renewed  the  recommendation  as 
to  the  erection  of  a  grammar  school  plant  and  dormitory, 
which  he  estimated  could  be  built  for  |20,000,  with  a 
capacity  for  eighty  boys,  and  that  the  money  could  be 
borrowed  for  that  purpose.  The  committee  on  board  and 
boarding  houses  followed  up  this  recommendation  with 
their  own  opinion  that  such  a  dormitory  could  be  erected 
for  the  sum  named  by  the  vice  chancellor,  and  reported 
resolutions  authorizing  him,  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
executive  committee,  to  make  a  contract  with  any 
responsible  party  for  the  erection  of  a  grammar  school 
hall  and  to  obligate  the  trustees  to  require  grammar 
school  boys  to  stay  in  such  hall.  The  committee  had 
two  plans  to  suggest:  One  was  to  borrow  the  money 
upon  mortgage  to  build  the  hall  and  devote  the  net  in- 
come, or  part  of  it,  as  a  sinking  fund  to  extinguish  the 
debt.  The  other  plan  was  to  authorize  a  contract  to  be 
made  with  some  responsible  party  to  erect  such  a  build- 
ing at  his  own  cost,  who  should  derive  all  the  profits 
accruing  therefrom,  the  board  only  agreeing  that  all 
grammar  school  boys  should  be  required,  until  the  capac- 
ity of  the  hall  was  filled  up,  to  stay  therein.  The  board 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  241 

reserving  the  right  to  purchase  the  building  at  any  time 
at  cost.  The  committee  were  informed  that  such  a  con- 
tract could  be  made.  (The  party  who  made  this 
generous  offer,  it  was  understood,  was  Kev.  Dr.  Hodgson.) 
The  location  suggested  was  in  the  vicinity  of  Morgan 
Steep. 

After  discussion  the  report  and  resolutions  of  the  com- 
mittee on  board  and  boarding  houses  was,  upon  a  vote  by 
orders,  referred  to  the  vice  chancellor  and  executive 
committee,  to  be  reported  at  the  next  annual  meeting  of 
the  board. 

A  ground  plan  and  elevation  for  a  grammar  school 
plant,  including  a  school  room,  chapel,  refectory  and 
dormitory,  was  prepared  by  G.  C.  Haight,  Esq.,  a  promi- 
nent architect  of  New  York  City,  but  no  further  action 
was  taken  to  erect  such  a  plant  by  the  University.  Prol> 
ably  one  reason  why  the  executive  committee  took  no 
action  in  1884,  on  the  subject  proposed  of  building  a  gram- 
mar school,  was  that  the  income  of  the  grammar  school 
contributed  very  essentially  to  the  support  of  the  profes- 
sors of  the  academic  department,  and  could  not  well  be 
diverted  from  that  purpose.  The  desirability  of  such  a 
complete  separated  grammar  school  was  always  conceded, 
but  the  way  did  not  seem  open  to  accomplish  it  until  the 
hotel  purchase  enabled  the  authorities  to  carry  out  a 
separation,  so  far  as  the  limited  capacity  of  that  building 
could  be  made  use  of.  The  board,  at  the  session  of  1884, 
reaffirmed  the  plan  for  the  location  of  permanent  build- 
ings, as  prepared  by  Bishop  Hopkins  and  on  file  in  the 
archives,  upon  a  test  vote  made  upon  such  a  resolution 
presented  by  the  committee  on  buildings  and  lands. 


242  HISTORY   OF    THE 

The  subject  of  the  erection  of  a  permanent  chapel  was 
considered,  and  the  efforts  of  the  ladies'  association  for 
obtaining  funds  for  this  purpose  were  commended,  but 
no  action  looking  to  its  immediate  erection  was  taken. 

Suitable  notice  was  taken  of  the  death  of  Hon.  Jacob 
Thompson,  formerly  secretary  of  the  interior.  Mr. 
Thompson  was  very  much  interested  in  the  welfare  of 
the  University.  He  contributed  largely  to  the  erection 
of  the  Philosophical  Hall,  and  by  his  will  gave  ten  thou- 
sand dollars  to  the  University. 

Dr.  John  B.  Elliott,  professor  of  chemistry  and  health 
officer,  tendered  his  resignation  to  the  board  in  August, 
1885.  Dr.  Elliott  had  been  connected  with  the  University 
for  sixteen  years,  dating  back  almost  to  its  opening  term, 
and  had  contributed  very  largely  by  his  ability  and  labors 
to  the  building  up  and  welfare  of  the  University.  For 
several  years  he  had  held  a  position  as  professor  in  the 
medical  department  of  the  University  of  Louisiana,  devot- 
ing to  this  work  his  winter  vacation  and,  1885,  being 
elected  professor  in  the  medical  department  of  Tulane 
University,  he  felt  obliged  to  resign  his  chair  in  the 
University  of  the  South,  very  greatly  to  the  regret  of  its 
faculty  and  board  of  trustees. 

His  chair  was  filled  by  the  election  of  Dr.  J.  W.  8. 
Arnold,  of  New  York,  a  gentleman  of  very  high  scientific 
attainments,  who  had  filled  prominent  professional  posi- 
tions in  New  York.  His  health  was  delicate  in  con- 
sequence of  chronic  asthma. 

The  commencement  sermon  in  1885  was  delivered  by 
the  Eev.  Morgan  Dix,  D.  D.,  of  Trinity  Parish,  New  York 
City.  His  subject  was  "The  full  assurance  of  faith,"  and 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  243 

his  sermon  was  worthy  of  his  high  reputation.  The 
honorary  degree  of  D.  O.  L.  was  conferred  on  Dr.  Dix  on 
commencement  day,  1885.  Among  the  interesting  events 
occurring  during  the  meeting  of  the  board,  in  1885,  was 
the  presentation  of  a  small  United  States  flag,  which  was 
the  same  which  floated  above  Bishop  Otey  when  he  made 
his  address  on  Lookout  Mountain  on  July  4,  1857,  at 
the  initial  meeting  of  the  delegates  of  the  dioceses. 
The  flag  which  now  hangs  in  the  library  has  an 
extended  history,  as  related  by  Rev.  Dr.  Duncan  of 
Louisiana,  the  donor.  Its  staff  is  associated  with  the 
names  of  Washington,  Fillmore  and  Scott.  It  has  been 
unfurled  in  England,  upon  the  Baltic,  upon  all  the  memor- 
able fields  of  Greece,  upon  the  pyramids  and  ruined 
temples  of  Egypt,  on  lonely  Sinai  and  Horeb  and  Hor, 
upon  the  banks  of  the  Jordan  and  in  the  city  of  Jerusalem. 

Kentucky,  in  the  year  1885,  became  associated  for  the 
first  time  with  the  other  Southern  dioceses  as  a  corporate 
member  of  the  University.  It  was  but  natural  that  it 
should  be  so,  and  she  was,  indeed,  welcome.  Bishop 
Dudley,  her  clergy  and  her  people  seemed  the  natural 
associates  of  the  dioceses  already  connected  with  the 
University.  The  first  members  of  the  board  from  Ken- 
tucky were  Bishop  T.  U.  Dudley,  Rev.  R.  S.  Barrett  and 
Messrs.  C.  F.  Johnston  and  J.  R.  Proctor.  A  resolution 
offered  in  the  board  that  the  permanent  chapel  should  be 
placed  on  the  Otey  Hall  lot  (Walsh  Memorial)  was  laid 
on  the  table. 

Gov.  Proctor  Knott,  of  Kentucky,  had  been  elected  to 
deliver  the  commencement  oration  for  1885,  but,  being 
unable  on  account  of  official  duties  to  be  present,  Bishop 


244  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Dudley  accepted  an  invitation  to  deliver  the  oration. 

The  year  1886  opened  with  more  encouraging  prospects. 
At  the  opening  of  trinity  term,  1885,  fifty-eight  students 
matriculated  and  at  the  opening  of  lent  term,  1886,  the 
same  number,  making  the  matriculations  for  the  year 
116.  Over  220  registered  at  each  term.  The  University 
was  evidently  now  upon  an  up  grade.  About  this  time 
also  it  received  substantial  tokens  of  interest.  Mrs, 
Gould,  of  Augusta,  Ga.,  had  given  $2,560  towards  building 
a  gymnasium,  and  Mr.  Wiley  B.  Miller,  of  Memphis, 
Tenn.,  $2,000  for  the  same  purpose.  Mr.  Miller  also  gave 
$2,000  to  apply  on  the  University  debt,  and  Miss  Florence 
Miller,  his  daughter,  gave  the  sum  of  $4,813.12  for  a 
building  to  be  designated  as  the  Miller  Convocation 
House. 

On  the  24th  of  June  the  cornerstone  of  the  gymnasium 
(being  the  east  end  of  the  library)  was  laid  by  the 
chancellor,  Bishop  Green  of  Mississippi,  with  appro- 
priate religious  ceremonies.  The  chancellor  striking  the 
stone  three  times  and  saying,  "Ad  honor  em  Domini  nostri 
Jesu  Christi  et  ad  profectum  sacrosancti  Matris  Ecclesiae 
et  Studei  pie  et  reverentissime,  nos  Providential  Divina 
Chancellor  Universitatis  Australia  hunc  primarium  lapi- 
dem  Gymnasii  collocamus  in  Nomine  Patris  et  Filio  et 
Spiritus  Sancti,  Amen." 

The  vice  chancellor,  in  his  report  to  the  board  of 
trustees  in  August,  1886,  says  that  the  building  was  begun 
on  May  1st,  and  that  "as  the  gymnasium  was  a  part  of 
the  proposed  chapel  building,  it  had  to  be  built  in 
connection  therewith.  That  the  stonework  for  the 
gymnasium,  Convocation  House  and  Breslin  Tower 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  345 

(stonework  on  the  tower  to  a  height  of  thirty  feet)  had 
been  contracted  for  at  the  rate  of  $4.50  for  foundation 
and  $ 7.00  for  superstructure  per  cubic  yard.  Your  vice 
chancellor  thinks  he  has  money  enough  on  hand  and  in 
sight  to  complete  the  gymnasium,  Convocation  House  and 
bell  tower." 

A  proposal  was  made  to  the  board  through  the  vice 
chancellor  for  the  appointment  of  a  clergyman  living  at 
the  North  as  a  dean  of  St.  Augustines,  who  would  devote 
himself  to  obtaining  funds  at  the  North  to  complete  St. 
Augustines  chapel,  and  eventually  devote  his  time  to  the 
work  at  Sewanee.  He  was  to  be  the  dean  over  all  the 
chaplains  of  the  different  departments  of  the  University 
when  such  officer  should  be  constituted.  The  board, 
probably  deeming  such  an  appointment  premature,  took 
no  action  on  the  suggestion.  The  vice  chancellor  sub- 
mitted plans  for  the  proposed  gymnasium,  Convocation 
House  and  bell  tower,  and  permanent  chapel,  prepared 
by  Mr.  W.  Halsey  Wood.  The  board  passed  a  resolution 
saying  that  they  were  not  then  prepared  to  accept  the 
plans  presented  by  the  vice  chancellor,  and  referred  them 
to  the  executive  committee.  The  plans  presented  to  the 
board  by  Dr.  Hodgson  contemplated  a  building  one 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  in  length  by  thirty  feet  in  width, 
the  east  half  of  which  was  designated  as  a  gymnasium, 
and  the  west  half  as  a  chapter  or  convocation  house. 
Adjoining  and  forming  a  part  of  the  building,  at  the 
southwest  corner,  was  to  be  a  large  tower,  twenty  by 
twenty-four  feet,  and  ninety  feet  high.  This  comprised 
the  buildings  then  under  contract.  The  elevation  and 
ground  plans  were  furnished  for  a  new  chapel,  the  nave 


246  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  be  about  forty-four  feet  in  width  and  one  hundred  feet 
in  length,  with  a  large  tower  and  vestry  room,  the 
chapel  to  be  connected  with  the  convocation  house  and 
gymnasium  by  a  cloister.  The  distance  between  the 
buildings  was  to  be  about  fifty  feet.  The  chapel  was  to 
seat  about  nine  hundred  persons.  The  estimated  cost  of 
gymnasium  and  convocation  house  was  $14,000,  and  the 
tower,  $7,000.  The  chapel  about  $57,000.  Of  which  the 
gymnasium,  convocation  house  and  tower  are  all  that  have 
been  constructed. 

The  necessary  amount  for  the  building  of  the  tower, 
about  $10,000,  was  given  by  Mr.  Breslin  of  New 
York,  a  friend  of  Eev.  Dr.  Shoup,  and  through  his 
influence,  no  doubt.  Upon  motion  of  the  bishop  of 
Louisiana  the  board  authorized  the  location  of  the 
proposed  new  chapel  on  the  site  known  as  the  Otey  Hall 
lot.  This  action  was  set  aside  by  the  location  of  Walsh 
Memorial  Hall  in  1890. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  247 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

The  subject  for  the  location  and  plans  for  the  permanent  build- 
ings discussed — Paper  as  to  the  plans  of  the  founders  of  the 
University  by  Geo.  R.  Fairbanks,  lay  trustee  from  the  diocese 
of  Florida,  read  at  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees — 
Preservation  of  the  forest  growth — Some  relics  of  the  corner- 
stone— Death  of  Bishop  Young  of  Florida,  and  Col.  L.  N. 
Whittle  of  Georgia. 

1886. 

DURING  the  discussion  as  to  permanent  buildings  in  the 
board  in  August,  1886,  a  paper  upon  the  plan  of  the 
founders  was  read  by  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  and  ordered 
printed  in  the  minutes  of  the  board.  As  bearing  upon 
the  general  subject  of  the  inception  of  the  University  and 
the  intentions  of  those  who  originated  it,  of  whom  the 
author  was  deemed  qualified  to  speak,  having  been 
associated  with  them  and  a  number  of  the  board  of 
trustees  during  all  that  formative  period. 

The  paper  presented  was  as  follows: 

Extract  from  the  proceedings  of  the  loard  of  trustees  of 
1886,  Resolution  No.  67. 

Resolved,  That  the  paper  read  before  the  board  on  the  second 
ofi  the  present  session,  by  Major  Geo.  R.  Fairbanks,  a  lay 
from  the  diocese  of  Florida,  referring  to  the  original 
for  the  establishment  of  the  University  and  the  improve- 
ment of  its  domain,  be  published  with  the  proceedings  had  at  this 
session  of  the  board,  for  the  information  of  members. 


248  HISTORY    OF    THE 

THE  PLANS  OF  THE  FOUNDERS  OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY. 


TO  THE  BOAED  OF  TRUSTEES  OP  THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  THE  SOUTH. 


THE  MEMORIAL  OF  G.  R.  FAIRBANKS,  A  LAY  TRUSTBH 

FROM  THE  DlOCESE  OF  FLORIDA. 


"Brethren,  Bishops,  Priests  and  Laymen,  need  I  remind  you 
that  we  stand  here  in  the  mere  gateway  of  that  magnificent 
temple  planned  by  those  noble  spirits,  Otey,  Polk,  Elliott  and 
others;  and  that  we  are  pledged,  by  the  very  acceptance  of  our 
office,  to  carry  out  their  grand  design." — [Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Green, 
D.  D.,  Chancellor's  Address,  July,  1870.] 


Published  as  an  Appendix  to  the  Digest,  by  Resolution  of  the 

Board. 

It  is  now  thirty  years  since  Leonidas  Polk,  bishop  of 
Louisiana,  gave  form  and  substance  to  the  idea,  which 
had  previously  been  thrown  out  by  Bishop  Otey,  that  the 
Southern  church  should  establish  within  her  own  borders 
a  grand  and  comprehensive  institution  of  learning,  and 
thus;  outlined  in  wise  and  well  considered  words  the  pro- 
ject of  a  university  of  the  South. 

The  scheme  presented  by  Bishop  Polk  was  in  the  same 
year  sanctioned  and  affirmed  in  all  its  parts  by  the 
bishops  of  the  ten  Southern  dioceses.  Delegates  from 
these  dioceses  met  at  Lookout  Mountain  on  the  4th  of 
July,  1857,  and  formed  an  organization  for  carrying  out 
the  scheme;  and  in  November,  1857,  again  met  to  choose 
a  location,  when  Sewanee  was  selected,  from  its  own 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  249 

fitness,  and  in  accordance  with  one  of  the  principles 
enunciated  by  the  bishops  and  delegates,  that  the  location 
should  be  central,  and  accessable  to  the  citizens  of  the 
Southern  States. 

In  the  whole  history  of  educational  institutions  in 
America  no  other  instance  is  recalled  where  the  concep- 
tion of  a  grand  landed  domain  was  made  so  important 
a  feature  in  the  planning  and  planting  of  a  college  or 
university.  Sewanee,  as  the  site  of  the  University  of  the 
South,  is  the  product  of  this  idea,  a  wide  departure  from 
the  existing  ideas,  which  looked  to  populous  centers  and 
environment  to  build  up  and  sustain  such  institutions. 
The  Sewanee  idea  was  to  create  its  own  environment;  as 
Bishop  Polk  said  when  asked,  in  reference  to  the  isolated 
location  of  the  proposed  University,  "Where  will  you 
get  your  society?"  His  answer  was,  "We  will  make  it; 
and  not  only  so,  but  we  will  surround  our  University 
with  such  a  society  as  is  nowhere  else  possible  in  this 
land."  It  was  not  an  idle  boast,  but  a  sagacious  fore- 
cast of  a  future  then  seemingly  distant,  but  now  quite 
within  our  sure  range  of  vision. 

At  the  end  of  thirty  years,  one  generation  of  man's 
existence,  after  the  destructive  effect  of  a  terrible  civil 
conflict,  the  sweeping  away  of  the  substance  of  our  land 
and  the  manhood  of  one  generation ;  after  a  hard  struggle 
for  existence,  under  circumstances  every  way  discourag- 
ing, we  have  now  emerged  from  the  clouds  of  disaster, 
upheaval  and  poverty ;  and  the  South  is  today  prosperous, 
united,  and  well  settled  in  all  its  social,  business,  and 
political  relations. 


250  HISTORY    OF    TBS 

The  University  has  become,  to  all  human  appearance, 
placed  upon  a  strong  and  enduring  basis,  the  best  basis 
on  which  an  institution  can  rest,  a  well  founded  reputa- 
tion for  imparting  scholarship  and  learning  upon  the 
true  principles  of  Christian  education. 

Our  landed  domain,  acquired  with  much  effort  and 
sacrifice,  consists  of  about  9,000  acres  of  woodland,  lying 
upon  the  tableland  of  the  Cumberland  Mountain  plateau, 
and  extending  in  most  instances  sufficiently  far  down  the 
slopes  of  the  mountain  to  give  us  control  of  the  bluffs 
and  approaches  from  the  valleys.  A  large  portion  of  the 
tract,  as  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  map,  lies  on  the 
northwest  of  the  railroad,  embracing  a  long  spur  of  the 
mountain,  from  bluff  to  bluff,  and  on  the  slopes  on  either 
side,  being  about  five  miles  in  length.  On  this  portion 
the  ground  presents  a  central  ridge  running  lengthwise, 
and  from  this  central  ridge  lateral  ridges  extend  towards 
the  bluff  on  either  side,  with  depressions  of  valleys  form- 
ing the  channels  of  spring  branches  or  watersheds.  Very 
little  of  the  surface  has  much  level  area.  The  largest 
area  of  comparatively  level  ground  extends  for  a  short 
distance  south,  and  for  a  considerable  distance  north,  of 
Tremlett  Hall.  The  only  straight  avenue  planned  by 
Bishop  Hopkins  extended  westerly  from  the  cornerstone 
of  the  grand  central  building  about  one  mile,  forming  a 
boulevard  some  two  hundred  feet  in  width  as  a  grand 
drive,  and  giving  a  fine  perspective  view  of  the  central 
building  and  most  of  the  projected  college  buildings. 

Along  these  lateral  ridges  a  comparatively  level 
surface,  narrow  in  extent  and  sloping  to  the  north  and 
south,  exists,  terminating  on  the  bluffs  along  the  rocky 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  251 

faced  brow  of  the  mountain.  The  soil  is  a  sandy  loam 
lying  upon  a  conglomerate  rock,  and  good  roads  are  easily 
made  by  following  the  sinuosities  of  the  ridges,  making 
handsome  drives,  easily  kept  in  order.  Gentle  elevations, 
rising  slightly  above  the  general  level,  are  frequently 
found,  presenting  beautiful  natural  sites  for  dwellings. 

Bishop  Elliott,  in  an  address  published  in  1858,  truly 
said:  "This  Cumberland  plateau  seems  to  have  been 
formed  by  God  for  the  benefit  and  blessing  of  the  valley 
of  the  Mississippi  and  the  cotton  growing  regions  of  the 
Southern  States.  Forming  the  eastern  limit  of  that 
immense  valley,  stretching  with  that  peculiar  formation 
of  a  sandstone  tableland  for  one  hundred  miles  across  the 
State  of  Tennessee,  easy  of  access  at  many  points,  it  has 
already  become  the  summer  resort  of  many  distinguished 
Southern  families  of  planters  and  merchants,  who  desire 
to  recruit  their  families  during  the  summer  months,  and 
are  yet  unwilling  to  be  separated  from  their  interests. 
The  time  is  not  distant  when  this  whole  plateau  will  be 
covered  over  with  villas  and  cottages  and  watering  places, 
and  will  teem  with  the  most  refined  society  of  the  South 
and  West.  This  will  be  the  place  of  meeting  of  the  South 
and  West.  Wilmington,  Charleston,  and  Savannah  will 
here  shake  hands  with  Mobile,  New  Orleans,  Nashville 
and  Memphis,  and  cement  the  strong  bonds  of  mutual 
interest  with  the  yet  stronger  ones  of  friendship  and 
love." 

From  the  nature  of  the  ground  it  was  evident  at  the 
outset  that,  as  we  had  no  level  plain  upon  which  all  the 
buildings  of  the  University  could  be  placed  in  symmetrical 
form,  the  topography  must  be  carefully  studied  and 


252  HISTORY    OF    THE 

mapped  out,  the  levels  ascertained,  and  a  system  of 
location  adopted  which  should  conform  to  the  ground 
and  present  a  symmetrical  plan  as  a  whole. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  board  at  Beersheba  Springs  in 
1859,  on  motion  of  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Cobbs,  bishop  of  Alabama, 
it  was 

"Resolved,  That  the  executive  committee  be  authorized 
to  employ  a  landscape  gardener  for  the  purpose  of  laying 
off  and  arranging  the  grounds  of  the  University  with 
due  regard  to  convenience,  comfort  and  taste." 

Under  this  resolution  the  executive  committee  procured 
the  services  of  Bishop  Hopkins,  of  Vermont,  who,  among 
his  extraodinary  and  multiform  accomplishments,  was 
distinguished  for  his  ability  as  an  architect  and  land- 
scape gardener.  He  only  consented  to  accept  the  invita- 
tion in  order  to  enable  him  to  give  the  compensation  he 
might  receive  to  an  important  work  in  his  diocese,  which 
he  had  much  at  heart. 

Bishop  Hopkins  came  to  Sewanee  in  the  fall  of  1859, 
accompanied  by  Bishop  Polk,  and  spent  the  winter  of 
1859-60  in  a  careful  and  laborious  study  of  the  topog- 
raphy and  general  features  of  the  grounds,  having  the 
advantage  of  being  at  Sewanee  after  the  fall  of  the 
leaves,  so  that  an  uninterrupted  view  of  large  areas 
could  be  obtained.  He  had  also  the  very  great  advantage 
of  a  comprehensive  topographical  map  (made  by  Col. 
C.  R.  Barney,  an  accomplished  civil  engineer)  showing  a 
complete  line  of  levels,  the  result  of  nearly  two  years' 
labor  in  the  field,  at  a  cost  of  five  thousand  dollars. 
Unfortunately  the  original  map,  the  fruit  of  so  much 
labor,  was  lost  by  the  casualities  of  our  civil  war.  Very 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  253 

fortunately,  however,  a  traced  copy  upon  cloth  of  the 
central  and  most  important  portion,  embracing  the  lands 
for  a  distance  of  two  miles  north  and  west  of  the  railroad, 
together  with  a  reduced  map  of  the  whole  domain,  was 
preserved  by  me,  and  they  are  now  in  possession  of  the 
University.  Bishop  Hopkins  spent  several  months  here, 
planned  the  location  of  the  buildings,  of  the  principal 
avenues,  and  of  a  grand  drive  some  thirty  miles  in  extent, 
which  he  named  the  Corso,  embracing  all  the  principal 
views  and  objects  of  interest.  The  results  of  his  labors 
are  embodied  in  the  map  we  have,  known  as  the  Hopkins 
map.  He  was  paid  a  compensation  of  $900. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  I860, 
held  at  University  Place,  it  was. 

"Resolved,  That  the  executive  committee  be  authorized 
to  arrange  the  reservations  required  for  the  use  of  the 
University,  and  around  the  springs,  and  also  to  lay  out 
the  public  grounds,  avenues,  streets,  etc.,  and  shall  give 
two  months'  notice  of  the  time  of  leasing  the  lots  on  the 
domain.  The  size  and  shape  of  the  lots,  and  the  terms, 
conditions  and  mode  of  leasing  thereof  shall  be  deter- 
mined by  the  executive  committee,  who  shall  have  full 
discretionary  power  in  reference  to  all  matters  connected 
therewith." 

This  resolution  was  reenacted  at  Columbia,  S.  C.,  in 
1861,  at  a  meeting  of  the  board  held  not  long  after  the 
commencement  of  hostilities. 

The  executive  committee  took  action  under  this  resolu- 
tion, and  adopted  several  resolutions  relative  to  the 
leasing  of  lots,  which  form  the  foundation  of  our  present 
regulations  upon  this  subject 


254  HISTORY    OF    THE 

No  regular  meeting  of  the  board  was  again  held  until 
1867,  at  Montgomery,  Ala.;  but  in  1866,  under  the 
authority  of  the  surviving  members  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee, Bishop  Quintard  built  Otey  Hall  as  the  foundation 
of  a  theological  training  school,  and  he  and  myself  erected 
cottages  where  we  now  reside.  At  the  meeting  in  Colum- 
bia, in  1861,  in  view  of  the  condition  of  the  country,  the 
board  authorized  the  chancellor,  Bishop  Otey,  to  take 
such  steps  as  might  be  necessary  for  the  preservation  of 
the  property  and  domain.  Bishop  Otey  placed  me  in 
charge  of  everything  as  agent  and  representative  of  the 
University.  I  remained  in  charge  until  the  spring  of 
1862,  when  I  was  forced  to  leave.  Our  buildings  were 
destroyed  in  1863. 

At  the  meeting  in  1867,  at  Montgomery,  the  board 
elected  Bishop  Quintard  vice  chancellor,  and  Geo.  B. 
Fairbanks  was  elected  to  act  as  commissioner  of  buildings 
and  lands,  and  as  the  business  manager  of  the  University, 
to  reside  at  the  University  site,  and  to  have  in  charge  all 
the  business  affairs  of  the  University.  At  this  meeting 
Bishop  Quintard  offered,  and  the  board  accepted,  Otey 
Hall. 

In  1869  a  committee  was  appointed,  to  whom  the  whole 
matter  of  disposition  of  the  domain  was  referred,  to  report 
at  the  next  annual  meeting.  This  committee  reported  to 
the  board  on  the  13th  of  July,  1870,  rules  and  regulations, 
which  were  adopted  and  have  ever  since  been  in  force. 

In  1872  the  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  the  plan  of  the  lands  of  the  University 
of  the  South,  as  delineated  on  the  map  presented  to  us 
toy  the  late  Bishop  Hopkins,  be  hereby  adopted,  and  that 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  25i 

it  be  closely  followed  in  the  location  of  buildings  by  the 
commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  and  by  all  others." 

The  plan  of  the  location  of  the  buildings,  as  laid  down 
on  Bishop  Hopkins'  map,  will  be  found  to  have  been 
carefully  made  with  reference  to  the  beauty  of  each  loca- 
tion and  the  general  effect  of  the  whole.  At  the  site 
where  the  cornerstone  of  the  great  central  building  was 
laid  in  1860  we  find  an  elevation  about  500  feet  in 
diameter,  gently  sloping  in  all  directions.  Here  was  to 
be  erected  the  great  central  building.  One  of  the  plans 
furnished  by  a  leading  architect  gives  as  the  entire  length 
of  the  building  272  feet,  its  greatest  depth  135  feet; 
divided  into  a  central  portion  70  by  135  feet,  containing 
the  theater  or  great  hall,  70  by  120  feet,  to  seat  2,500 
people;  a  library  wing  41  feet  front  by  81  feet  in 
depth  on  one  side,  and  a  gallery  of  fine  arts  in  the  other 
wing,  of  the  same  dimensions,  the  wings  connected  with 
the  central  portion  by  corridors  60  feet  in  length  by  20 
feet  in  width — not  unlike  the  general  plan  of  the  capitol 
at  Washington. 

The  other  buildings  for  the  several  schools  were 
intended  to  be  of  different  styles  of  architecture,  of 
moderate  size,  and  not  to  exceed  $25,000  each  in  cost. 
Professors'  houses  and  boarding  houses  were  expected 
to  be  built  in  their  vicinity  upon  some  corresponding  plan 
as  to  symmetry  and  general  appearance.  The  schools  to 
be  so  grouped  as  convenience  should  require.  These 
buildings  to  be  erected  from  time  to  time,  as  the  wants 
of  the  institution  required.  These  colleges  or  halls  to  be 
built  of  stone,  according  to  the  best  models  of  architec- 
ture ;  to  be  located  on  the  most  desirable  sites,  and  to  be 


256  HISTORY    OF    THE 

placed  so  as  to  bring  those  studies  usually  pursued  to- 
gether into  sufficiently  close  connection  for  convenient 
access;  placing  on  the  outer  line  of  the  grouping  the 
special  schools,  such  as  law,  medicine,  mines,  etc. 

The  founders  of  the  University,  those  grand,  wise  and 
sagacious  men,  Bishops  Polk,  Otey,  Elliott,  Cobbs,  Green 
and  others,  had  in  their  minds  a  definite  plan  and  system. 
The  securing  of  a  domain  of  ten  thousand  acres  was  the 
foundation  of  their  plans.  They  wished  room  enough 
upon  which  to  build  their  University  buildings  without 
restriction  as  to  the  area  to  be  occupied.  They  set  apart 
a  campus  of  one  thousand  acres  as  a  reserve  for  this 
purpose.  The  reserve  was  destined  primarily  for  the 
University  buildings,  professors'  houses,  and  boarding 
houses  connected  therewith.  Outside  of  the  reserve  the 
domain  was  expected  to  be  occupied  by  church  families. 
Distance  was  not  regarded,  because  the  class  of  residents 
who  would  be  expected  to  erect  residences  for  summer 
homes  necessarily  belonged  to  the  same  class  who  always, 
at  their  homes,  provide  themselves  with  conveyances  for 
use  and  pleasure.  It  was  anticipated  "that  a  time  not 
distant  would  come,"  when,  in  the  language  of  Bishop 
Elliott,  "this  whole  plateau  would  be  covered  over  with 
villas  and  cottages  and  watering  places,  and  would  teem 
with  the  most  refined  society  of  the  South  and  West." 

They  believed  that  the  domain  of  the  University,  if  man- 
aged with  a  prudent  forecast,  would  create  at  no  distant 
day  a  secure  endowment,  ever  increasing  in  value;  leases 
taken  of  every  available  locality,  and  a  large  and  refined 
society,  brought  together  here  from  all  parts  of  the  South, 
homogeneous  in  sentiment,  centering  around  these  hall» 
of  learning,  interested  in  and  advancing  this  great  work. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  257 

It  was  not  the  purpose  to  build  up  a  town,  but  a  large 
sylvan  population,  where  every  home  should  be  surrounded 
with  the  leafy  shades  of  the  primeval  forests,  mingling 
the  wildness  of  nature  with  the  improvements  of  man, 
and  placed  upon  wooded  knolls  with  meandering  paths 
upon  their  gentle  slopes,  or  on  bold  summits  presenting 
distant  scenes  of  unsurpassed  beauty,  rich  valleys  and  a 
boundless  horizon  stretching  far  away  into  purple-hued 
cloudlands,  where  clouds  and  sky  are  undistinguishable. 

They  realized  the  advantages  which  this  magnificent 
plateau  presented  for  such  a  development.  Its  absolute 
healthfulness,  its  pure  freestone  water  supply,  its  admira- 
ble building  stone,  its  accessibility  by  railway  and 
common  roads,  the  abundant  region  surrounding  it,  "with 
milk  and  honey  blessed,"  as  well  as  everything  needful 
at  moderate  cost. 

They  regarded  these  forest  trees,  these  towering  oaks, 
with  fond  admiration,  as  giving  attraction  and  beauty 
which  in  themselves  would  form  an  element  of  great 
value.  They  insisted  on  their  preservation  with  the  most 
jealous  care.  As  soon  as  the  title  to  the  domain  was 
acquired  their  first  act  was  to  appoint  a  forester  to 
prevent  the  cutting  down  of  this  valuable  forest  growth. 
Mounted  and  vigilant,  he  constantly  patrolled  the  domain, 
and  warned  off  trespassers  and  bark  and  wood  cutters. 

The  constitution  and  statutes  of  the  University  provided 
for  a  special  officer,  the  commissioner  of  buildings  and 
lands,  who  should  have  the  leasing  of  the  grounds,  and 
whose  duty  it  was  specially  made  to  prevent  trespasses 
and  intrusions,  to  be  vigilant  in  observing  them,  and  to 
take  prompt  measures  for  correcting  abuses  or  trespasses. 


258  HISTORY    OF    THE 

It  was  anticipated  that  the  performances  of  these  duties 
would  require  the  full  time  and  attention  of  a  capable 
and  efficient  officer.  A  splendid  white  oak,  with  its  broad 
canopy  and  well  developed  growth,  the  finest  shade  tree 
on  either  mountain  or  plain,  may  fall  before  the  wood- 
man's axe  in  a  few  minutes,  but  requires  half  a  century 
to  replace  it.  Unfortunately  its  value  for  fuel  is  as  well 
recognized  as  for  shade  and  beauty,  and  the  woodman 
passes  by  the  crooked  and  deformed  chestnut,  the 
unsightly  black  oak,  the  tough  bay,  and  selects  for  his 
victim  the  white  oak,  the  most  prized  and  valuable  of  our 
forest  trees.  Thousands  of  unsightly  stumps  now  meet 
our  view  wherever  we  may  direct  our  steps.  In  many 
places  the  ground  is  growing  up  in  a  thicket,  and  the 
large  timber  has  all  disappeared;  bushes  and  under- 
growth make  otherwise  beautiful  sites  unapproachable 
and  undesirable,  and  no  doubt  our  water  supply  is 
already  to  some  extent  affected  by  the  denudation 
of  our  shallow  soil,  in  clearings.  Rough  plantations 
of  cleared  land  further  injure  the  natural  beauty 
of  our  lands.  Thus  far  we  have  rather  impaired 
than  improved  the  natural  beauty  of  our  mountain  top. 
A  few  years  more,  with  the  same  neglect  permitted,  and 
we  shall  have  made  much  of  it  valueless  and  tenantless; 
and  we  shall  have  only  built  up  on  our  domain  an  insig- 
nificant village,  with  its  dusty  and  close  built  streets, 
just  as  attractive  in  itself,  and  no  more,  than  any  ordinary 
village  elsewhere.  The  beautiful  ideal  of  the  founders, 
by  our  own  neglect,  our  own  want  of  wisdom  and  want 
of  faith  in  the  future,  will  have  vanished ;  and  our  domain, 
instead  of  being  the  home  of  thousands  of  refined  and 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  259 

cultivated  families,  will  be  to  us  a  mere  woodyard  and 
waste. 

Under  the  pressure  of  our  apparent  necessity  for 
economy,  and  the  other  work  absorbing  us,  we  have  put 
to  one  side  the  important  work  of  protecting  and  enhanc- 
ing the  value  of  our  domain,  and  devolved  its  care  upon 
an  officer  already  overburdened  with  other  duties,  and 
who  has  kindly  consented  to  act  temporarily  as  commis- 
sioner of  buildings  and  lands,  to  save  the  University  the 
payment  of  a  salaried  officer.  It  is  very  far  from  the 
purpose  of  this  paper  to  cast  censure  upon  any  one,  but 
rather  to  call  attention  to  the  importance  of  the  subject 
with  the  hope  that  we  may  now  shape  our  action  to  for- 
ward the  plans  of  the  founders,  correct  the  errors  of  the 
past,  and  secure  judicious  and  systematic  future  manage- 
ment of  interests  so  important  to  the  University.  What 
may  be  accomplished  at  a  slight  expense  in  the  way  of 
beautiful  drives  is  shown  by  the  pleasing  experiment  of 
the  Hodgson  Drive  to  Morgan  Steep,  planned  and  success- 
fully executed  by  Dr.  Hodgson;  and  the  Elliott  Drive  or 
Querlique,  planned  and  opened  under  the  direction  of  Dr. 
Elliott ;  showing  how  admirably  drives  of  easy  grade  and 
graceful  lines  may  be  executed  upon  the  undulatory 
surface  of  our  domain,  and  also  bringing  to  view  many 
beautiful  villa  sites.  The  fine  location  selected  with 

I  aesthetic  taste  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  for  the  residence 
occupied  by  Rev.  Mr.  Oertel,  near  Morgan  Steep,  also 
points  in  the  direction  of  the  plans  of  the  men  of  1858. 
We  have  formally  adopted  Bishop  Hopkin's  plan,  and 
yet  we  have  never  conformed  to  it;  our  buildings  have 
been  located  on  no  plan  or  system,  but  in  accordance 


260  HISTORY    OF    THE 

with  the  tastes  or  preferences  of  individual  minds,  the 
wishes  of  donors,  considerations  of  convenience  to  resi- 
dents, or  to  accommodate  the  boarding  houses  and 
students;  and  very  much  in  connection  with  the  location 
of  our  present  wooden  and  temporary  grammar  school 
and  University  buildings. 

A  period  has  now  arrived  when  it  seems  necessary 
that  some  decided  and  systematic  action  be  taken  by  the 
board  for  the  preservation  of  valuable  timber  and  build- 
ing sites  on  the  domain;  for  the  proper  location  of 
University  buildings  hereafter  to  be  erected ;  for  opening 
and  making  available  the  many  suitable  sites  for 
residences,  so  that  we  may  thereby  increase  our  revenues 
and  secure  an  increase  in  the  number  of  families  having 
a  home  and  interests  here;  for  laying  out  judiciously  new 
avenues,  and  for  the  securing  of  the  health  of  the  com- 
munity by  proper  sanitary  regulations. 

Now,  the  only  surviving  lay  trustee  of  the  original 
board,  remaining  in  the  board,  and  feeling  very  intensely 
the  importance  of  the  subject,  I  have  ventured  to  direct 
your  attention  to  this  whole  matter,  with  a  view  of 
inducing  the  adoption  of  some  positive  policy  and  action 
for  the  guidance  of  those  who  may  be  entrusted  with  the 
future  control  of  the  University  domain.  We  are  at  the 
beginning  of  a  long  history  of  our  enterprise;  we  are 
trustees  for  future  generations.  One  by  one  we  pass 
away  from  our  seats  in  the  board,  but  our  work  remains 
to  act  upon  the  welfare  of  the  University  of  the  future 
as  well  as  the  present.  We  should  aim  to  do  our  work 
wisely,  not  in  mere  subservience  to  the  narrow  and  limited 
present,  but  for  the  grand  future  for  which  Otey  and 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  261 

Polk  and  Elliott  and  Cobbs  and  Green  and  Rutledge  and 
other  good  men  planned,  but  never  saw  even  the  dawn  of 
the  fulfillment  of. 

With  an  implicit  faith  in  the  great  future  of  our  Uni- 
versity, and  the  eventual  completion  upon  the  lines  its 
founders  marked  out  and  with  the  eye  of  faith  saw  the 
accomplishment  of  in  the  near  future,  I  place  on  record 
this  memorial  to  testify  my  own  sense  of  respect  to  their 
memory,  and  to  testify  my  faith  in  their  plans,  and  my 
earnest  hope  that  they  will  be  adhered  to. 

GEORGE  R.  FAIRBANKS, 
Member  of  first  Board  of  Trustees, 
a  Lay  Trustee  from  Florida. 
SEWANEE,  AUGUST  2,  1886. 

We  Americans  are  always  in  danger  of  being  dominated  by 
what  Wesley  called  the  "lust  of  finishing,"  and  I  hope  we  shall 
have,  in  connection  with  this  work,  courage  to  lay  out  our  lines 
upon  so  large  a  plan  as  to  compel  the  thoroughness  and  real  worth 
and  grandeur  of  proportion  and  detail  which  such  an  undertaking 
demands. — [Bishop  Potter's  Con.  Address.] 


By  resolution  of  the  board  the  ravine  extending  from 
the  Polk  Spring  to  the  lands  leased  by  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson 
were  reserved,  with  the  adjoining  slopes,  for  improve- 
it  as  a  public  park. 

During  the  period  preceding  the  annual  meeting  of  the 
trustees  in  1886  two  of  its  most  valuable  members  had 
been  removed  by  death.  The  Rt.  Rev.  J.  Freeman  Young, 
B.  T.  D.,  bishop  of  Florida,  and  Col.  L.  N.  Whittle  of 
Georgia.  Both  of  these  gentlemen  had  long  been  associ- 
ated with  the  board,  and  had  been  most  earnest  in  promot- 


262  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ing  its  welfare  and  advancement.  Colonel  Whittle  was 
always  in  attendance  at  the  meetings  of  the  board,  and 
was  most  liberal  in  devoting  his  time  and  means.  He  was 
a  Virginian  by  birth,  and  a  noble  type  of  a  gentleman  of 
the  old  school,  of  whom  so  few  now  remain. 

The  board  again,  in  1886,  passed  a  resolution  in 
reference  to  procuring  the  services  of  a  landscape 
gardener,  and  for  laying  out  the  streets  and  grounds  of 
the  University  domain,  but  no  results  followed,  landscape 
gardeners  being,  it  seemed,  harder  to  obtain  than 
professors.  The  large  domain  with  its  varying  elevations 
and  depressions,  cliffs  and  ravines,  springs  and  streams, 
required  a  very  experienced  and  skillful  expert  gardener 
and  forester  to  properly  lay  out  its  streets  and  roads, 
pleasure  drives,  parks  and  grounds. 

The  preservation  of  the  forest  growth  has  always 
been  deemed  a  most  important  and  necessary  provision. 
The  constant  tendency  to  disregard  this  object,  and  the 
ignorant  or  willful  wielders  of  the  axe,  disregarding  all 
instructions  or  contracts,  have  marred  and  destroyed 
large  portions  of  the  original  forest  growth,  but  a  judi- 
cious thinning  out  of  the  young  growth,  a  special  care 
to  preserve  trees  most  valuable  for  future  adornment  of 
location  desirable  for  residences,  a  proper  system  of 
drainage,  with  a  view  to  preserve  the  forest  from  denuda- 
tion, a  skillful  advantage  of  grades  for  roadways,  and 
constant  oversight  will  largely  restore  and  greatly 
beautify  our  domain  for  which  nature  has  done  so  much. 

It  is  rarely  that  people  can  be  made  to  realize  and 
foresee  the  importance  of  providing  for  the  future 
growth  and  development  of  towns  or  institutions.  Their 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  263 

first  impulse  is  to  look  after  their  immediate  needs,  to 
follow  the  course  of  the  pioneers'  devious  track,  to  get  rid 
of  and  burn  up  the  forest  growth,  and  then  in  future 
years  to  plant  out  such  trees  as  may  be  most  easily  or 
cheaply  obtained,  and  leave  them  to  struggle  on,  uncared 
for,  used  for  hitching  posts  and  stunted  into  unsightly 
trunks,  when  a  judicious  selection  of  the  original  forest 
growth  left  in  their  original  places  would  have  made 
beautiful  shaded  avenues  and  public  grounds,  a  pleasure 
and  pride  to  the  community. 

It  will  be  recalled  that  the  cornerstone  of  the  central 
building  was  laid  on  the  10th  of  October,  1860,  with 
great  ceremony,  and  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse 
of  people.  At  the  close  of  the  war  it  was  found  that  the 
great  block  of  Tennessee  marble  had  altogether  dis- 
appeared. In  1886,  twenty-six  years  afterwards,  the 
manner  of  its  disappearance  was  explained  by  the  recep- 
tion from  Anson  Nelson,  Esq.,  secretary  of  the  Tennessee 
Historical  Society,  which  met  at  Sewanee  in  June,  1886,  of 
a  fragment  of  the  stone  and  the  accompanying  letter.  The 
vice  chancellor,  in  his  report  to  the  board  of  trustees, 
August,  1886,  refers  to  exhibit  v,  containing  a  piece  of 
the  cornerstone  presented  by  the  Tennessee  Historical 
Society.  This  piece  was  taken  from  its  site  by  some  of 
the  twenty-sixth  Illinois  cavalry  camped  at  Sewanee, 
July,  1863,  accompanied  by  the  following  extract  of  a 
letter  written  at  that  time. 


264  HISTORY    OF    TEE 

"CAMP  UNIVERSITY  OF  THE  SOUTH, 
CUMBERLAND  MOUNTAIN,  July  26th,  1863. 
COMPANY  A.  26TH  ILLINOIS,  SD  BRIGADE. 

"The  cornerstone  of  the  University  has  been  distributed 
throughout  the  upper  country  by  this  brigade.  It  was 
clandestinely  moved  from  its  foundation  at  night,  and 
its  documents  fell  into  unknown  hands.  The  boys 
immediately  commenced  breaking  it  up  for  trinkets,  and 
it  is  now  all  used  up.  Enclosed  you  will  find  a  piece  of 
it  which  I  have  dressed  out  upon  a  rock  and  finished 
with  a  knife." 

The  piece  was  fashioned  in  the  shape  of  a  little  marble 
book,  and  it  is  preserved  in  the  University  collection. 

This  cornerstone,  a  massive  block  of  Tennessee  marble, 
was  laid  on  a  heavy  foundation  course  of  blocks  of 
Sewanee  sandstone  and  overlaid  with  similar  blocks. 
The  foundation  still  remains  undisturbed,  the  writer 
having  caused  one  of  the  upper  blocks  to  be  placed  there 
properly  marked  to  designate  the  spot,  "U.  S." 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  265 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

Rev.  Dr.  Barrett's  plan  for  endowment — Death  of  Rt.  Rev. 
William  Mercer  Green,  bishop  of  Mississippi  and  chancellor 
of  the  University — Election  of  Bishop  Gregg  as  chancellor — 
Regulation  proposed  as  to  the  conferring  of  honorary  degrees 
and  statute  adopted  in  reference  thereto — Attempt  to  subject 
the  1,000  acres,  exempted  by  the  charter  of  the  University, 
to  taxation — Decree  of  the  Supreme  Court  in  favor  of  the 
University. 

1886  - 1887. 

AT  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in 
1886,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barrett,  of  Kentucky,  addressed  the 
board  in  reference  to  the  endowment  of  the  University, 
and  presented  a  scheme  to  be  called  the  "Birthday 
Society,"  which  proposed  circulating  very  extensively 
among  the  alumni  and  friends  of  the  University  an 
obligation  printed  in  books,  promising  an  annual  gift  of 
some  specific  sum  on  the  recurrence  of  each  birthday  of 
the  obligor. 

The  subject  was  referred  to  a  special  committee,  which 
reported  resolutions  for  the  appointment  of  a  commis- 
sioner of  endowments  to  raise  a  permanent  endowment 
fund,  and  to  receive  10  per  cent  on  his  collections.  Rev. 
Dr.  Barrett  was  elected  commissioner  of  endowments. 
If  Dr.  Barrett  could  have  devoted  his  undivided  time  to 
the  matter  no  doubt  a  considerable  amount  could  have 
been  realized,  but  during  the  ensuing  year  he  became 
rector  of  St.  Lukes  Cathedral  (Atlanta),  and  was  unable 
to  give  his  personal  attention  to  the  carrying  out  of  his 


266  HISTORY    OF    THE 

scheme,  and  no  scheme  of  the  kind  can  be  successful 
without  unremitting  personal  attention.  The  financial 
result  of  Mr.  Barrett's  birthday  scheme  was  small  in 
obtaining  a  permanent  endowment  fund. 

On  the  13th  of  February,  1887,  the  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M. 
Green,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  Mississippi,  and  chancellor  of  the 
University  from  1866,  died  at  Sewanee  in  the  eighty- 
ninth  year  of  his  age,  having  been  born  May  2,  1798. 
He  was  a  graduate  of  the  University  of  North  Carolina, 
in  which  institution  he  held  the  chair  of  English  litera- 
ture, was  consecrated  first  bishop  of  Mississippi  in  1850. 
and  was  one  of  the  most  devoted  and  earnest  founders 
of  the  University.  He  was  the  author  of  the  "Life  of 
Bishop  Otey,"  and  was  identified  with  Sewanee  from  the 
first,  having  built  a  residence  there  in  1867,  and  was  the 
first  to  propose  at  Lookout  Mountain  the  name  of  "The 
University  of  the  South."  "Greens  View"  and  "Greens 
Spring,"  will  give  a  local  perpetuation  of  the  name  of  the 
good  bishop  of  Mississippi  for  all  future  generations. 

With  Bishop  Green  passed  away  the  last  of  the  bishops 
who,  in  1856,  signed  the  address  to  the  members  and 
friends  of  the  Protestant  Church  in  the  Southern  and 
Southwestern  States,  proposing  the  founding  of  a  church 
university  at  the  South.  The  board  of  trustees,  in  their 
minutes  relative  to  this  godly  man,  paid  a  just  tribute  to 
his  exalted  character,  concluding  with  the  following  most 
appropriate  delineation  of  his  special  characteristics : 

"With  this  spirit  of  unaffected  humility  his  whole  life 
was  penetrated,  as  in  self  sacrifice,  unwearied  devotion 
and  unceasing  ministrations  for  the  good  of  others,  that 
life  was  preeminently  distinguished.  And  never,  we  are 


Rt.  Rev.  ALEXANDER  GREGG,  D.  D. 
Bishop  of  Texas;      Fifth  Chancellor  of  the  University. 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  267 

persuaded,  has  there  been  in  our  day  a  more  striking 
exhibition  of  the  power  of  gentleness,  of  the  influence  of 
true  Christian  courtesy,  and  the  happy  fruits  of  an 
observance,  unfailing  because  instinctive  of  the 
amenities  of  life,  than  were  seen  in  his.  Well,  therefore, 
may  it  be  said  of  him, '  Whatsoever  things  were  true,  what- 
soever things  were  just,  whatsoever  things  were  pure, 
whatsoever  things  were  lovely,  whatsoever  things  were  of 
good  report/  these  he  cultivated,  in  these  he  took  delight ; 
and  in  these  were  found,  though  unsought,  that  good 
name  'which  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches,'  and 
the  loving  favor,  'better  than  silver  or  gold.'  His  works 
do  follow  him.  Thank  God  for  his  example." 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  at  commencement,  1887,  was 
preached  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  D.  S.  Tuttle,  D.  D.,  of  Missouri, 
and  the  commencement  oration  by  the  Hon.  John  T. 
Morgan,  United  States  senator  from  Alabama.  The  death 
of  Bishop  Green  having  made  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of 
chancellor,  Bishop  Alexander  Gregg,  bishop  of  Texas, 
was  unanimously  elected  to  that  office.  On  taking  his 
seat  as  chancellor,  an  address  of  welcome  was  made  by 
Bishop  Garrett,  of  Northern  Texas,  on  behalf  of  the  board, 
to  which  Bishop  Gregg  feelingly  replied.  After  referring 
to  the  noble  example  of  his  predecessor  in  the  office, 
Bishop  Green,  he  said :  "Of  the  original  trustees  but  four 
are  left  to  continue  in  spirit  as  when  they  first  met 
together  to  inaugurate  this  great  work,  upon  which  they 
can  now  look  in  its  growth  and  steady  advancement  with 
devout  gratitude  to  Him  whose  blessing  has  not  ceased 
to  cheer  and  strengthen,  and  will,  we  humbly  trust,  never 
be  withdrawn.  Language  fails  me  fully  to  express  the 


268  HISTORY    OF    THE 

enthusiasm  inspired  in  my  breast  at  its  inception,  the 
hopes  excited  when  the  foundations  of  the  University 
were  afterwards  laid,  or  the  anxieties  subsequently 
experienced  through  days  of  desponding  gloom.  Those 
times  of  despondency  seem  to  have  passed  away  and  I 
congratulate  you  on  what  we  now  behold." 

By  the  generous  donation  of  $500  by  Kev.  J.  A.  Van- 
Hoose,  an  alumnus  of  the  University,  for  which  thanks 
were  tendered  by  the  board,  a  course  of  lectures  on 
Greek  literature  were  secured  to  be  delivered  by  that 
eminent  Greek  scholar,  Dr.  B.  L.  Gildersleeve  of  the  Johns 
Hopkins  University. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Arnold  brought  to  the  attention  of  the  board 
the  subject  of  the  establishment  of  a  school  of  biology. 
This  suggestion  was  referred  to  the  committee  on 
organization,  but  no  report  was  made  on  the  subject. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  Alumni 
Association,  with  a  resolution  passed  by  that  Association, 
appointing  Mr.  Silas  McBee  commissioner  to  raise  funds 
for  the  University,  and  guaranteeing  him  his  expenses 
while  in  the  field.  The  board  thereupon  authorized  Mr. 
McBee  to  act  as  commissioner  and  agent  of  the  board  for 
the  purpose  of  raising  funds  for  the  University. 

The  subject  of  the  conferring  of  honorary  degrees  was 
a  subject  of  discussion  in  1887.  The  committee  on 
degrees,  of  which  Bishop  Dudley  was  chairman,  called 
attention  to  the  growing  looseness  with  which  such 
degrees  were  being  conferred  throughout  the  country,  and 
proposed  a  regulation  that  honorary  degrees  should  only 
be  conferred  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  board, 
which  was  adopted.  The  subject  of  the  degrees  of  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  269 

University  was  finally  referred  to  a  special  committee, 
consisting  of  Bishop  Dudley,  Rev.  Davis  Sessums  and  Mr. 
Moncure,  to  report  a  statute  on  the  subject  the  following 
year.  This  committee  made  a  report  which  was  recom- 
mitted, and  the  matter  lay  dormant  until  the  board,  in 
1889,  adopted  an  amendment  to  Statute  9,  which  provided 
that  no  honorary  degree  should  be  conferred  without  a 
reference  of  the  application  to  the  committee  on  degrees, 
nor  be  conferred  save  by  unanimous  consent,  unless 
application  shall  have  been  filed  with  the  vice  chancellor 
three  months  in  advance  of  any  annual  meeting  of  the 
board,  and  in  no  case  without  the  affirmative  vote  of  four- 
fifths  of  the  trustees  voting  thereon.  This  seems  to  afford 
proper  security  against  precipitate  action,  and  to  keep 
the  board  in  mind  of  the  rule  that  had  been  agreed  upon 
to  confer  "the  honorary  degrees  of  the  University  upon 
such  only  as  are  distinguished  in  letters  or  divinity,  or 
preeminent  services  to  the  church  or  in  the  State."  It  is 
believed  that  this  rule  has  been  for  the  most  part  adhered 
to,  and  that  the  University  has  been  very  chary  in  the 
granting  of  honorary  degrees,  while  the  granting  of 
degrees  in  course  have  been  only  obtained  through  scholar- 
ship and  rigorous  examination. 

The  charter  granted  by  the  State  of  Tennessee  an 
January  6,  1858,  contains  this  clause,  Section  10: 

"Be  it  further  enacted  that  said  University  shall  hold 
and  possess  as  much  land  as  may  be  necessary  for  the 
buildings  and  to  such  an  extent  as  may  be  sufficient  to 
protect  said  institution  and  the  students  thereof  from  the 
intrusion  of  evil-minded  persons  who  may  settle  near 
said  institution,  said  lands,  however,  not  to  exceed  ten 


270  HISTORY    OF    THE 

thousand  acres;  one  thousand  acres  of  which,  including 
buildings  and  other  effects  and  property  of  said  corpora- 
tion, shall  be  exempt  from  taxation  so  long  as  said  lands 
belong  to  said  University." 

This  exemption  from  taxation  was  recognized  by  the 
State  and  county  authorities  until  the  year  1887,  when 
a  claim  was  made  by  an  official  of  the  State  connected 
with  the  county  of  Franklin,  within  which  the  University 
is  situated,  that  the  one  thousand  acres  (known  as  the 
reserve)  was  liable  to  taxation,  and  he  thereupon  assessed 
a  tax  upon  the  University,  a  basis  valuation  of  f  100,000 
on  the  reserve,  and  for  three  years  back  taxes,  and  upon 
an  aggregate  valuation  of  f  400,000 — the  tax  amounting  to 
|2,700. 

A  bill  in  chancery  was  filed  for  the  University  by 
Messrs.  Marks  and  Gregory,  praying  an  injunction  against 
the  levy  of  this  tax.  It  was  to  the  University  a  most 
important  matter  and,  if  this  claim  of  taxation  upon  the 
reserve  was  maintained,  it  would  have  proved  a  most 
serious  embarrassment  in  the  future.  The  writer  made 
a  deposition  in  the  case,  covering  some  150  pages  of 
closely  written  matter,  giving  virtually  a  history  of  the 
management,  leasing  and  use  which  had  been  made  of 
funds  so  obtained  from  lands  within  the  reserve.  The 
brief  filed  by  ex-Governor  A.  S.  Marks,  of  counsel  for  the 
University,  was  a  most  admirable  argument  in  support 
of  the  exemption,  and  the  claim  for  exemption  was  fully 
sustained  by  the  judgment  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
State  of  Tennessee,  and  the  question  thus  settled  for  all 
time  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  University.  It  was 
decreed  by  the  court  that  the  decree  of  the  chancellor 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  271 

(sustaining  the  tax)  be  reversed;  that  all  of  said  assess- 
ments were  void  because  said  property  was  exempt  from 
taxation  for  State  or  County  purposes  so  long  as  said 
property  belongs  to  the  University,  that  the  injunction 
against  A.  J.  Skidmore,  trustee  for  the  county  of  Franklin^ 
be  reinstated  and  made  perpetual. 

In  the  year  1872,  Mr.  Jas.  Hill,  a  citizen  of  the  State 
of  Mississippi,  then  resident  in  Montreal,  Canada,, 
appended  to  his  will  a  codicil  bequeathing  to  the  Univeiv 
sity,  on  the  death  of  his  wife,  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
two  shares,  of  flOO  each,  of  the  consolidated 
fund  of  the  city  of  Montreal.  The  interest  to 
be  paid  to  his  wife  during  her  lifetime,  and  upon  her  death 
the  stock  to  go  to  the  University  of  the  South.  It  was 
not  until  1887  that  the  University  had  any  knowledge 
of  this  bequest.  Mrs.  Hill  was  then,  in  1887,  still  living. 
She  died  in  1893,  and  the  counsel  of  the  University  took 
the  necessary  steps  to  obtain  the  transfer  of  the  stock. 
A  daughter  of  Mr.  Hill  interposed  a  claim  and  objections 
to  the  transfer  of  the  stock,  claiming  that  the  gift  was  in 
controvention  of  the  constitution  of  the  State  of  Missis- 
sippi. The  case  went  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Mississippi 
and  was  decided  adversely  to  the  University  by  a  majority 
of  the  judges,  two  to  one. 

A  rehearing  was  obtained  and  the  former  decision  was 
reversed,  and  the  claim  of  the  University  was  sustained., 
The  stock  having  been  sold  at  a  large  premium,  realized 
the  sum  of  $40,000.* 

*Which,  according  to  the  expressed  intention  of  the  donor, 
was  invested  and  the  income  allotted  as  scholarships  to  needy 
and  deserving  young  men. 


(  UNIVERSITY 


272  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  Rev.  Geo.  T.  Wilmer,  D.  D.,  who  had  been  connected 
with  the  University  from  the  year  1876,  as  professor  of 
metaphysics  and  English  literature,  and  had  filled  the 
chair  of  systematic  divinity  in  the  theological  department, 
resigned  his  professorship  in  August,  1887,  and  removed 
to  South  Carolina.  He  was  a  native  of  Virginia,  a 
brother  of  Bishop  Wilmer  of  Alabama,  and  had  long 
been  connected  with  the  venerable  William  and  Mary 
College  in  Virginia;  a  man  of  fine  scholarship,  quaint 
humor,  and  presenting  many  of  the  characteristics  of  the 
clergy  of  a  former  generation. 

The  income  of  the  University  derived  from  tuition 
fees  was  larger  for  1886-87  than  for  any  previous  year, 
amounting  to  $19,401.91. 

The  terms  for  which  the  vice  chancellor  and  professors 
had  been  elected  having  expired,  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  was 
reelected  vice  chancellor  for  five  years.  Gen.  E.  Kirby 
Smith  to  the  chair  of  mathematics,  Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins 
to  the  chair  of  ancient  languages,  Prof.  F.  M.  Page  to 
the  chair  of  modern  languages,  Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup  to  the 
chair  of  engineering  and  physics,  Prof.  Cameron  Piggot, 
M.  D.,  to  the  chair  of  chemistry,  Mr.  Greenough  White  to 
the  chair  of  English,  etc.,  Prof.  W.  P.  DuBose,  D.  D.,  to 
the  chair  of  exegesis,  Rev.  Thos.  F.  Gailor,  chaplain  and 
professor  of  ecclesiastical  history,  J.  W.  Weber,  master 
-  of  the  grammar  school,  and  Professor  Shoup  to  the  chair 
of  metaphysics,  vacated  by  Rev.  Dr.  Wilmer. 

The  committee  on  the  grammar  school  reported  to  the 
board  that  it  was  manifestly  better  in  every  respect  than 
in  any  former  period  of  its  history,  and  furnished  a  larger 
mumber  of  students  and  also  the  larger  part  of  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  273 

revenue  for  the  support  of  the  University.  The  salaries 
of  all  the  teachers  in  the  grammar  school  were  raised; 
the  master  to  receive  $1,500 ;  first  assistant,  $1,000 ;  second 
assistant,  $600;  third,  fourth  and  fifth,  $500  each. 

Up  to  this  time  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  had  served  without 
a  salary,  being  provided  with  a  clerk.  At  the  session  of 
the  board  in  1887,  he  was  placed  on  the  salary  list  at 
$1,500  per  annum. 

The  board  invited  to  a  seat  Col.  C.  T.  Pollard,  of  Mont- 
gomery, Ala.,  who  was  present  thirty  years  previous  at 
the  meeting  at  Lookout  Mountain,  as  a  trustee  from 
Alabama.  Colonel  Pollard  was  one  of  the  most  earnest 
of  the  laymen  connected  with  the  early  organization  of 
the  University,  and  the  meeting  of  the  board,  in  1867, 
was  held  at  his  residence  in  Montgomery,  Ala. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Robert  W.  B.  Elliott  was  present  at 
Sewanee  during  the  meeting  of  the  board,  prostrated  with 
a  long  continued  and  severe  illness,  and  died  at  Sewanee 
August  26,  1887,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven.  He  was  a 
worthy  son  of  the  first  Bishop  of  Georgia,  and  was 
elevated  to  the  Episcopate  as  bishop  of  the  missionary 
jurisdiction  of.  Western  Texas  on  November  15,  1874,  at 
the  early  age  of  thirty-four.  A  beautiful  Celtic  cross, 
erected  by  loving  friends  elsewhere,  marks  his  grave  in 
the  Sewanee  cemetery. 

The  number  of  students  enrolled  for  the  year  1887-88 
was  333,  the  largest  number  enrolled  up  to  that  time. 

Mr.  Greenough  White,  having  resigned  the  chair  of 
English  languages  and  literature,  Prof.  W.  P.  Trent  was 
elected  for  the  unexpired  term.  First  Lieut.  E.  Webster, 
U.  S.  A.,  was  detailed  as  instructor  in  tactics  by  the  war 


274  HISTORY    OF    THE 

department,  in  succession  to  Lieutenant  Dowdy. 

Rev.  A.  A.  Benton,  D.  D.,  was  elected  to  the  chair  of 
systematic  divinity,  vacated  by  the  resignation  of  Dr. 
Wilmer. 

In  the  spring  of  1889,  Mr.  J.  W.  Weber,  master  of  the 
grammar  school,  met  with  a  painful  accident  on  the  rail- 
road, which  incapacitated  him  for  several  months  for 
attention  to  his  duties  and  caused  his  resignation  in  1888. 
Mr.  John  Gadsden,  of  South  Carolina,  was  elected  by  the 
board  as  his  successor. 

The  library  having  been  largely  increased,  was  in  part 
transferred,  in  1888,  to  the  upper  portion  of  Convocation 
Hall.  The  chapel  was  considerably  enlarged  during  1888, 
being  the  ninth  enlargement  since  the  original  structure 
was  erected  in  1867  with  a  capacity  for  seating  about 
seventy  persons.  With  the  enlargement  it  now  has  a 
seating  capacity  of  from  700  to  800. 

The  convocation  house  and  tower  were  completed  at 
an  outlay  of  $29,250.  The  funds  provided  and  used  in 
its  erection  were  derived:  $2,560  from  Mrs.  Gould  of 
Augusta,  given  for  a  gymnasium;  $2,000  by  Mr.  W.  B. 
Miller  of  Memphis  for  the  same  purpose;  $4,850  from 
Miss  Florence  Miller  for  a  convocation  house;  $10,000 
from  Mr.  Breslin  of  New  York,  for  the  Breslin  Memorial 
Tower,  and  the  remainder  from  a  large  number  of  contri- 
butors towards  a  fund  for  the  erection  of  a  new  chapel, 
and  of  which  the  building  was  intended  to  form  a  part. 
The  inscription  placed  within  the  Breslin  Tower  is  aa 
follows : 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  275 

This  tower  is  erected  in  memory  of 

Lucy, 
Daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  Breslin, 

Waterford,  N.  Y. 

Born  March  20th,  1865.     Died  May  1st,  1876. 
Her  loving  touch  upon  the  world 
Finds  feeble  echo  in  this  stone. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  for  commencement  1889  was 
delivered  by  the  Et.  Rev.  J.  S.  Johnston,  D.  D.,  of  Western 
Texas,  and  the  commencement  oration  was  delivered  by 
the  Hon.  Benton  McMillan  of  Tennessee. 


276  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Several  theological  scholarships  founded — Unsatisfactory  finan- 
cial condition — Gift  of  D.  V.  Walsh  of  $20,000  for  an  aca- 
demic hall — Plans  adopted  for  same — Questions  settled  as  to 
a  demand  for  a  vote  by  orders — Remarks  upon  the  proposed 
plans  for  the  University  buildings. 

1889  - 1890. 

AT  THE  annual  meeting  of  the  board  in  August  the 
rice  chancellor  reported  that  Mrs.  C.  M.  Manigault,  now 
of  Brighton,  England,  had  founded  another  scholarship 
in  the  theological  department  by  the  gift  of  f 5,000,  to  be 
filled  on  the  nomination  of  the  bishop  of  South  Carolina, 
being  the  second  scholarship  founded  by  her. 

The  ninth  statute  of  the  University,  relative  to  degrees 
and  honors  of  the  University,  was  very  materially  amended 
in  1889. 

Mrs.  Isabella  Barnwell,  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  provided 
by  will  for  the  founding  of  a  scholarship  in  the  theological 
department  upon  the  nomination  of  the  bishop  of  Ten- 
nessee. The  fund,  on  May  1,  1889,  amounted  to  $6,045. 

Mr.  Lewis  J.  Fleming,  a  trustee  from  the  diocese  of 
Florida,  died  during  the  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  in 
Jacksonville,  Fla.,  in  September,  1888,  of  which  due 
notice  and  appropriate  memorial  resolutions  were  passed 
by  the  board,  as  also  in  reference  to  the  death  of  Bishop 
R.  W.  B.  Elliott,  of  Western  Texas. 

Kev.  J.  A.  VanHoose,  of  Alabama,  founded,  in  1889,  a 
medal  for  German  in  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  277 

Mr.  Charles  Dudley  Warner,  editor  of  Harpers  Maga- 
zine, delivered  an  admirable  address  during  commence- 
ment week,  1889,  before  the  literary  societies  of  the 
University.  The  board  of  trustees  conferred  the  degree 
of  D.  C.  L.  on  Mr.  Warner. 

The  committee  on  buildings  and  lands  stated  that  they 
deemed  it  of  great  importance  that  suitable  tenants 
should  be  induced  to  take  leases  of  lots  on  the  domain, 
that  but  a  small  portion  of  the  land  was  then  under 
lease,  and  that  not  the  most  desirable  for  occupation. 
That  there  were  thousands  of  fine  building  sites  which 
might  be  occupied  for  summer  residences,  and  where 
attractive  homes  might  be  built,  which  would  add 
security  to  the  future  of  the  University,  and  bring  refined 
and  cultivated  families  annually  to  Sewanee,  and  the 
income  from  the  lease  of  which  would  greatly  help  the 
financial  condition  of  the  University.  That  encourage- 
ment should  be  given  to  persons  desirous  of  making  homes 
here,  liberality  should  be  exercised  in  laying  out  lots, 
both  as  to  extent  of  area  and  location,  and  facilities  given 
for  convenient  access.  That,  moreover,  it  was  desirable 
that  the  residents  on  the  mountain  should  be  less  con- 
nected with  the  immediate  vicinity  of  our  school  buildings 
and  boarding  houses.  That  plats  of  grounds  open  for 
lease  should  be  provided  and  be  readily  had,  and  some 
means  provided  for  enabling  persons  to  examine  such 
grounds. 

The  committee  expressed  the  undoubtedly  wise  warning 
that  we  could  not  be  too  careful  in  preserving  our  forest 
growth,  so  absolutely  essential  to  such  utilization  for 
residence  purposes,  that  no  petty  amount  received  for 


278  HISTORY    OF    THE 

timber,  bark,  or  cross-ties  could  make  up  for  the  irrepara- 
ble damage  to  the  future  use  of  our  domain,  besides  the 
recognized  danger  of  destroying  our  water  supply  by  the 
denudation  of  our  domain  of  its  forest  growth. 

Should  these  pages  be  placed  in  print,  some  reader,  not 
very  many  years  from  now,  in  this  next  century,  will 
wonder  that  considerations  of  such  very  obvious  import- 
ance did  not  impress  themselves  more  fully  upon  those  in 
authority  in  the  earlier  history  of  the  University.  For 
the  preservation  of  this  magnificent  domain  no  pains  nor 
expense  should  have  been  or  should  now  be  spared,  no 
officer  is  more  needed  than  a  faithful  commissioner  of 
buildings  and  lands,  devoting  his  whole  time  and  atten- 
tion and  skill  to  the  improvement  and  preservation  of 
this  great  natural  park,  susceptible  of  being  made  second 
in  beauty  to  any  artificial  and  costly  work  of  the  kind 
in  this  country.  Think  of  the  magnificent  setting  and 
surroundings  the  University  could  have  when  all  this 
splendid  domain,  comprising  every  feature  of  natural 
beauty,  should  become  a  great  park  miles  in  extent, 
traversed  with  meandering  walks  and  drives,  rustic  seats 
and  shelters,  flowing  fountains,  arboretuins  of  choice 
trees  and  shrubs,  its  pebbly  streams  bordered  with  ferns 
and  aquatic  plants,  and  all  that  embellishes  nature  with 
nature's  own  gifts. 

There  was  a  falling  off  of  the  students  in  1888-89,  and 
a  still  further  decline  in  1889-90,  when  the  number  was 
289.  There  was  also  an  unsatisfactory  financial  condi- 
tion, increased  expenditures  and  diminished  income. 
The  efforts  to  procure  an  endowment  had  been  but 
partially  successful  in  actual  results  so  far  as  permanent 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  279 

funds  were  concerned.  The  commissioner  of  endowment, 
Silas  McBee,  Esq.,  reported,  in  1890,  the  amount  of  notes, 
subscriptions  and  cash  as  reported  in  1889,  $35,260. 
Amount  of  subscriptions  secured,  August,  1889,  to 
December,  1889,  f 2,618.10;  January,  1890,  to  August, 
1891  (of  which  D.  V.  Walsh,  $20,000),  $22,264.55,  making 
$60,142.55.  That  he  had  collected  $15,813.89,  of  which 
D.  V.  Walsh  had  paid,  on  account  of  memorial  building, 
$7,500;  leaving  about  $5,000  to  go  into  permanent  fund, 
which  included  $1,573  of  University  bonds.  Mr.  McBee 
was  an  active  and  energetic  commissioner,  and  probably 
accomplished  as  much  as  any  layman  could  have  done. 
The  principal  result  of  his  labors  was  the  securing  from 
Colonel  Walsh  a  gift  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  to  be 
expended  in  erecting  an  academic  building  as  a  memorial 
to  his  daughter.  Plans  were  made  for  a  building  of 
Sewanee  sandstone  to  be  three  stories  high,  165  feet 
long  and  40  feet  in  width.  This  building  was  to  form 
a  part  of  a  group  of  buildings  to  be  a  quadrangle,  similar 
to  Queens  College,  Oxford.  The  plans  were  prepared  by 
Mr.  Nixon,  of  Atlanta,  and  Mr.  Silas  McBee. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  board,  August,  1890,  only  the 
bishops  of  Texas,  Tennessee,  Georgia  and  Florida  were 
present.  The  baccalaureate  sermon  was  preached  by  the 
Rev.  W^m.  K.  Huntingdon,  D.  D.,  of  Grace  Church,  New 
York. 

The  executive  committee  reported  that  they  had 
authorized  the  application  of  the  $20,000  contributed  by 
Colonel  Walsh  to  the  erection  of  a  college  building,  and 
that  the  work  of  construction  had  begun.  The  subject 
of  the  approval  of  the  plans  of  Messrs.  Nixon  and  McBee 


280  HISTORY    OF    THE 

was  considered  by  the  committee  on  buildings  and  lands, 
a  majority  of  whom  reported  a  resolution  that  the  plans 
and  specifications  submitted  by  Messrs.  Nixon  and  McBee 
for  the  academic  building  be  recommended  to  the  board 
of  trustees  for  adoption.  Rev.  Thos.  Atkinson  and  Mr. 
G.  R.  Fairbanks,  members  of  the  committee,  presented  a 
minority  report  objecting  to  the  acceptance  of  the  plans 
from  Messrs.  Nixon  and  McBee,  because  their  adoption 
would  be  a  departure  from  the  plans  of  the  founders 
adopted  in  1860.  That  the  proposed  location  of  the 
building  was  unsuitable,  the  space  too  limited,  either  for 
the  proposed  one  building,  or  still  more  for  a  group  of 
buildings,  besides  the  fact  that  the  board  had  already 
appropriated  the  site  to  a  new  chapel,  the  plans  for  which 
had  been  furnished  and  paid  for.  The  proposed  group 
of  buildings  was  also  objected  to  on  account  of  the  great 
danger  of  destruction  by  fire,  which,  should  it  happen, 
would  carry  with  it  our  library,  papers,  chapel,  etc.,  and 
the  insurance  on  which  would  be  a  heavy  charge.  That 
there  was  but  $20,000  in  hand  to  look  to,  and  that  any 
action  which  should  pledge  the  board  to  a  whole  scheme 
of  buildings,  including  the  expenditure  of  a  very  large 
sum  of  money,  would  be  unwise  and  premature.  That 
inasmuch  as  we  have  an  unlimited  and  unembarrassed 
area  of  ground  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Lukes  and  Convoca- 
tion Hall,  ample  in  extent,  suitable  for  a  single  building 
or,  if  hereafter  required,  a  group  of  buildings,  it  would 
be  wiser  to  limit  ourselves  to  the  simple  question  of  a 
suitable  location  for  a  building  to  cost  $20,000,  and  leave 
to  our  successors  the  expansion  of  plans  for  the  future. 
That  we  should  leave  what  is  now  unnecessarv  to  be  acted 


UNIVERSITY    Of    THE    SOUTH.  281 

upon  to  our  successors  in  our  trust,  and  not  forestall 
their  liberty  of  action  in  the  future.  That  it  was  unwise 
for  trustees  to  incur  obligations  for  which  others  are  to 
provide.  They  offered  a  resolution  limiting  the  cost  to 
$20,000,  and  that  the  building  should  be  located  on  the 
drill  ground  near  Tremlett  Hall. 

The  vice  chancellor,  Dr.  Hodgson,  was  heard  on  invita- 
tion, expressing  dissent  from  the  proposed  plan  of  Messrs. 
Nixon  and  McBee,  and  Mr.  McBee  in  its  favor.  Judge 
Lurton  offered  three  resolutions  as  a  substitute  for 
those  of  the  majority  and  minority,  adopting  the  plans 
of  Messrs.  Nixon  and  McBee,  subject  to  future  modifica- 
tion, authorizing  the  executive  committee  to  erect  the 
proposed  academic  building  adjoining  Convocation  Hall 
when  there  was  sufficient  subscription  to  ensure  its 
completion,  or  facts  justifying  confidence  in  completing 
it  without  incurring  debt.  Dr.  Cheshire  moved  to  amend 
so  that  the  board  should  adopt  the  plan  including  a 
change  of  site.  Mr.  Fairbanks  demanded  a  vote  by  orders 
on  this  amendment.  The  bishop  of  Florida  questioned 
the  right  of  a  single  member  to  demand  a  vote  by  orders. 
The  chancellor  ruled  that  the  demand  for  the  vote  by 
orders  from  a  single  member  was  in  order.  The  bishop 
of  Florida  appealed  from  the  ruling  of  the  chair.  Rev. 
Dr.  Dalzell,  of  Louisiana,  demanded  a  vote  by  orders,  and 
moved  that  the  appeal  from  the  ruling  of  the  chair  be 
laid  on  the  table.  The  ayes  and  noes  were  called,  and 
resulted  in  sixteen  ayes  and  eleven  noes,  the  decision  of 
the  chair  being  sustained.  Had  there  not  been  consider- 
able feeling  in  reference  to  the  subject  under  considera- 
tion (the  adoption  of  the  Nixon  and  McBee  plans)  it  i» 


282  HISTORY    OF    THE 

not  probable  that  upon  a  dispassionate  consideration  of 
the  right  of  a  single  member  to  demand  a  vote  by  orders 
there  would  have  been  any  question.  The  constitution 
provides  (Article  2),  that  the  board  of  trustees  shall  be 
composed  of  the  bishops  and  assistant  bishops  of  certain 
dioceses  therein  named,  and  of  one  clergyman  and  two 
laymen  from  each  of  said  dioceses.  The  charter  names 
certain  persons  as  trustees,  and  constitutes)  them  and 
their  successors  a  body  corporate.  The  board  of  trustees 
is  therefore  a  body  corporate  and  not  a  convention  of 
delegates.  It  is  a  corporation  under  the  control  of 
trustees  duly  elected  to  said  office,  and  by  the  charter 
has  perpetual  succession  and  a  common  seal.  Each 
trustee  has  the  same  power  and  privileges  as  any  other 
trustee,  his  vote  counts  the  same  whether  he  be  a  bishop, 
clerical  or  lay  trustee.  The  clerical  and  lay  trustees  are 
elected  from  the  dioceses,  but  do  not  possess  the  power 
to  act  in  conjunction  with  their  co-trustees  elected  from 
the  same  diocese,  but  individually  and  separately ;  no  trus- 
tee is  amenable  to  or  under  the  control  of  any  other  trus- 
tee. The  constitution  makes  but  one  provision  as  to  the 
manner  of  voting  (unless  a  vote  of  orders  is  demanded)  :  a 
majority  of  the  votes  cast  determines  the  question,  but 
it  is  provided  that  a  vote  by  orders  may  be  demanded,  and 
the  joint  consent  of  the  bishops  as  one  order,  and  of 
the  clerical  and  lay  trustees  as  another  order  shall  be 
necessary  for  the  adoption  of  the  measure  proposed. 

It  follows  that  as  each  trustee  has  at  all  times  and  in 
every  respect  the  same  power  and  rights  as  any  other 
trustee  that,  if  one  bishop  can  demand  a  vote  by  orders, 
it  is  equally  the  right  of  a  clerical  or  lay  trustee  to 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  283 

demand  such  a  vote.  The  right  of  a  single  member  to 
demand  such  a  vote  had  never  before  been  questioned, 
although  such  demand  had  been,  several  times  previously, 
made  at  former  meetings  of  the  board.  The  question  may 
be  considered  as  settled,  but  its  being  raised  and  supported 
by  so  large  a  minority  indicates  how  a  plain  question, 
when  tacked  on  to  some  other  question,  may  be  wrongly 
viewed  for  the  moment.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  what 
reasons  could  be  advanced  for  the  view  of  the  minority 
if  it  is  admitted  that  it  is  a  meeting  of  corporate  and 
equal  members  of  a  legal  body. 

The  amendment  proposed  by  Dr.  Cheshire,  "including 
a  change  of  site"  of  the  proposed  building,  was  laid  on 
the  table,  and  the  board  proceeded  to  vote  on  the  resolu- 
tion proposed  by  Mr.  Lurton  adopting  plans  of  Messrs. 
Nixon  and  McBee,  subject  to  future  modification.  A  vote 
by  orders  being  demanded  by  Mr.  Fairbanks  and  Rev. 
Dr.  Dalzell  resulted:  affirmative — bishops  of  Georgia, 
South  Carolina  and  Florida,  3 ;  negative — bishops  of  Texas 
and  Tennessee,  2;  clerical,  ayes,  Rev.  Messrs.  VanHoose, 
Kershaw,  Knight,  Powers,  DeRossett,  Grey,  Benton  and 
Sessums,  8;  Messrs.  Noble,  Miller,  McCracken,  Harrison, 
Hughes,  Simrall,  Lurton,  Aubrey  and  Finley,  9.  Nos,  Rev. 
Messrs.  Cheshire,  Dalzell,  Atkinson,  Messrs.  Fairbanks, 
McNeal  and  Hampton.  Total  vote  clerical  and  lay,  ayes, 
17;  noes,  6. 

The  bishop  of  Georgia  said,  at  the  time,  that  he  was 
unwilling  to  cast  his  vote  so  as  to  defeat  the  wishes  of  a 
majority  of  the  board,  although  his  opinion  was  not  in 
accord  with  theirs.  The  matter  really  at  issue  was  the 
setting  aside  of  the  former  plans  of  the  founders,  and 


284  HISTORY    OF    THE 

also  those  of  Dr.  Hodgson,  in  reference  to  the  chapel 
group,  to  consist  of  Convocation  House  and  a  new  chapel 
which  had  been  approved  and  adopted  at  previous  meet- 
ings of  the  board.  The  architects,  Messrs.  Nixon  and 
McBee,  presented  to  the  board  a  very  elaborate  and 
beautiful  plan,  in  perspective,  of  a  quadrangle,  Gothic  in 
style  of  architecture,  comprising  an  academic  building 
and  a  gymnasium  on  the  north,  a  central  tower  of  similar 
design  to  the  founder's  tower  at  Magdalen,  Oxford,  flanked 
by  academic  buildings  on  each  side ;  a  chapel  on  the  south 
side  of  the  quadrangle,  with  a  reproduction  of  the  tower 
and  spire  of  St.  Marys,  Oxford,  and  a  cloister  of  Gothic 
arches  extending  along  the  whole  front  of  the  quadrangle. 
The  plan  was  attractive  to  the  eye,  and  although  only 
$20,000  had  then  been  given  towards  the  construction  of 
one  academic  building,  the  board  decided  to  adopt  the 
location  for  the  academic  building  with  no  definite  accept- 
ance of  anything  beyond,  and  the  Walsh  Memorial  build- 
ing was  the  result,  the  actual  cost  of  which,  so  far  as 
completed,  without  the  cloister  to  connect  it  with  the 
Convocation  House,  was  about  $35,000. 

The  plan  of  an  Oxford  quadrangle  was,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  writer  and  of  others,  not  suited  to  the  University 
of  the  South,  not  suited  to  the  locality  or  to  the  climate. 
It  seemed  to  be  the  importation  of  an  exotic  idea,  utterly 
opposed  to  the  ideas,  plans  and  expectations  of  the 
founders  of  the  University,  and  either  too  large  and 
expensive  for  a  single  department,  or  inadequate  to  meet 
the  future  expansion  of  the  University.  The  engraved 
picture  of  the  quadrangle  has  been  printed  and  exhibited 
in  our  publications,  in  newspaper  articles  and  otherwise, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  285 

but  no  further  step  has  yet  been  taken  towards  the  con- 
struction of  any  other  portion  of  the  plan.  To  carry  it 
out  would  require  the  gift  of  large  sums  of  money  which, 
however  much  hoped  for,  can  hardly  be  anticipated 
will  be  given  by  any  individual  for  the  entire  work,  and 
which  will  not  likely  be  furnished  by  any  of  those 
desirous  of  erecting  memorial  buildings  if  their  gift  is 
to  be  aggregated  with  others,  and  not  as  an  individual 
gift  for  a  separate  building. 

The  future  will  show  which  views  are  correct,  those 
expressed  by  these  remarks,  or  indicated  by  the  quadrangle 
plan  of  Messrs.  Nixon  and  McBee.  Mr.  Nixon  died  in 
Atlanta  in  1896,  and  Mr.  McBee  is  now,  at  this  writing, 
editor  of  the  New  York  Churchman.  He  has  done  very 
much  to  make  the  University  known  throughout  the 
United  States  by  his  unflagging  zeal  and  energy  in  its 
behalf.  As  a  prominent  officer  of  the  St.  Andrews 
Brotherhood,  Mr.  McBee  has  rendered  most  valuable  and 
efficient  services  to  the  cause  of  religion,  anjj  few  men  of 
his  age  are  so  well  known  in  the  walks  of  art,  religion  and 
literature  as  Mr.  McBee. 


286  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  Hodgson  as  vice  chancellor — Election  of 
Rev.  Thomas  F.  Gailor,  D.  D.,  as  vice  chancellor — The  ques- 
tion of  an  ample  water  supply  considered — Resignation  of 
Professor  Page  from  chair  of  modern  languages,  and  election 
of  Prof.  B.  W.  Wells,  Ph.  D.,  to  that  chair — Organization  of 
the  medical  department — School  of  commerce  and  trade. 

1890  - 1892. 

THE  baccalaureate  sermon  at  the  commencement  of  1890 
was  preached  by  the  Eev.  Dr.  W.  R.  Huntingdon,  the 
distinguished  rector  of  Grace  Church,  New  York. 

At  the  session  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1890  Rev. 
Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  resigned  the  position  of  vice 
chancellor,  to  which  he  had  been  elected  in  1882,  and 
again  in  1887,  and  by  his  financial  assistance  had  greatly 
aided  the  University  at  a  critical  period  of  its  history. 
The  board  recognized  Dr.  Hodgson's  important  and 
valuable  service  in  a  communication  addressed  to  him, 
August  7,  1890,  as  follows: 

"The  board  of  trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South, 
in  accepting  your  resignation  of  the  office  of  vice  chan- 
cellor, which  you  have  held  for  many  years,  desire  to  say 
that  they  cannot  sever  a  connection  which  has  endured 
for  so  long  a  time  without  being  deeply  affected. 

"They  recognize  the  fact  that  you  have  ever  had  the 

welfare  of  the  University   near  your  heart,  and   have 

labored  faithfully  and  conscienciously  for  the  best  inter- 

.  ests  of  this  institution.    You  gave  your  services  for  several 


Rt.  Rev.  THOMAS  F.  GAILOR,  S.  T.  D. 

Bishop  of  Tennessee?     Fourth  Vice  Chancellcr 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  287 

years  without  compensation.  You  contributed,  from  time 
to  time,  of  your  private  means,  and  have  repeatedly 
advanced  sums  to  meet  deficiencies,  waiting  patiently  for 
reimbursement  by  the  action  of  this  board. 

"We  are  gratified  to  learn  that  you  will  continue  to 
reside  here,  as  dean  of  the  theological  faculty,  and  take 
an  active  interest  in  the  work  of  this  institution ;  and  we 
desire  to  assure  you  of  our  best  wishes  for  your  prosperity 
and  our  prayers  for  God's  blessing  upon  yourself  and  all 
those  who  are  dear  to  you." 

Dr.  Hodgson  expressed  his  willingness  to  retain  his 
position  as  dean  of  the  theological  department. 

Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  F.  Gailor  was  elected  vice  chancellor 
for  the  unexpired  term  of  two  years  created  by  the 
resignation  of  Eev.  Dr.  Hodgson,  and  was  duly  inaugu- 
rated with  appropriate  ceremonies  in  St.  Augustines 
chapel.  The  number  of  students  enrolled,  1889-90,  wlas 
280,  fifteen  less  than  the  previous  year  and  fifty-three  less 
than  in  1887-88. 

The  Rev.  M.  M.  B'enton  was  elected  assistant  professor 
of  engineering  and  physics,  and  also  as  proctor  and 
registrar,  and  Mr.  R.  M.  DuBose,  treasurer  and  commis- 
sioner of  buildings  and  lands. 

On  January  21,  1891,  Rev.  H.  M.  Jackson,  D.  D.,  was 
consecrated  assistant  bishop  of  Alabama,  and  on  June 
24,  1891,  the  Rev.  Davis  Sessums  was  consecrated  assist- 
ant bishop  of  Louisiana,  the  first  alumnus  of  the  Univer- 
sity to  be  advanced  to  that  office. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Beckwith,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  Georgia, 
died  at  Atlanta  on  the  23d  of  November,  1890.  Bishop 
Beckwith  was  consecrated  m  1868,  in  succession  to  the 


28S  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Rt.  Rev.  Stephen  Elliott,  first  bishop  of  Georgia,  and  was 
regarded  as  one  of  the  most  eloquent  preachers  of  the 
house  of  bishops. 

The  committee  in  charge  of  the  erection  of  the  Walsh 
Memorial  building  reported  that  they  had  made  a  con- 
tract for  same  to  be  erected  for  the  sum  of  $29,089.16, 
exclusive  of  the  heating  and  furnishing  of  the  building, 
which  it  was  estimated  would  cost  $4,000  additional; 
that  they  had  no  assurance  beyond  the  $20,000  given  by 
Col.  V.  D.  Walsh,  that  they  had  expended  for  traveling 
and  incidental  expenses,  $466.31. 

The  board  resolved  that  the  next  building  in  the  plan 
for  a  quadrangle  shall  be  a  gymnasium,  but  if  there  was 
no  prospect  of  the  completion  of  such  gymnasium  at  an 
early  day  the  vice  chancellor  and  the  executive  committee 
were  instructed  to  proceed  to  the  construction  of  a 
temporary  building  for  athletic  exercises  so  soon  as  they 
could  secure  the  funds  to  pay  for  it,  and  that,  as  soon  as 
another  building  was  provided,  the  apparatus  of  the 
gymnasium  should  be  removed  to  it,  and  the  room  now 
occupied  by  the  gymnasium  should  be  fitted  up  for  library 
purposes  and  so  used. 

Some  changes  were  directed  to  be  made  in  the  form 
and  conditions  of  leases,  not  materially  altering  the  provi- 
sions adopted  in  1870.  A  proposition  was  brought  for- 
ward to  amend  the  constitution,  so  as  to  allow  all  the 
bishops,  assistant  bishops  or  coadjutors  a  vote.  The 
committee  on  constitution  and  statutes  reported  adversely 
on  the  ground  that  it  would  impair  the  equalization  of 
clerical  and  lay  trustees  intended  to  exist  permanently 
in  the  organization  of  the  board.  The  report  of  the  com- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  28* 

mittee  was  sustained  by  a  vote  by  orders,  a  majority  of 
each  order  voting  affirmatively. 

The  subject  of  a  water  supply  was  brought  forward 
by  the  committee  on  sanitary  measures.  The  entire 
dependence  of  the  residents  of  Sewanee  is  on  cisterns, 
springs  and  wells.  The  springs  are  generally  too  distant 
for  most  of  the  residents,  long  droughts  exhaust  the 
cisterns  of  those  who  have  any,  and  the  usual  open  well, 
sunk  to  the  distance  of  twenty  to  thirty  feet,  goes  dry 
after  a  long  drought.  The  permanent  springs  do  not 
sensibly  fall  off  in  their  supply,  but  they  are  scattered 
and  their  waters  cannot  easily  be  stored.  It  Was 
estimated  that  Polk,  Otey,  Green  and  Curtis  springs 
would,  together,  furnish  about  1,500  gallons  per  hour 
and,  if  stored  in  one  reservoir,  would  give  36,000  gallons 
per  diem.  It  was  proposed  to  organize  a  company  for 
the  construction  of  a  system  of  waterworks,  and  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpose  was  appointed  and  empowered 
to  act.  Rev.  J.  A.  VanHoose,  an  alumnus,  of  Alabama, 
took  great  interest  in  the  subject,  and  made  a  special 
report  on  the  subject.  It  was  not  found  practicable,  at 
that  time,  to  organize  a  company  or  to  obtain  the 
necessary  funds  by  issue  of  bonds  of  the  water  supply 
company.  The  matter  continued  to  be  discussed,  but  no 
progress  was  made  under  the  plan  proposed.  Some 
interesting  experiments  were  made  by  private  parties  in 
sinking  bored  wells:  a  five-inch  bore,  from  thirty-five  to 
fifty  feet,  generally  exhibited  a  supply  of  very  cold  water 
coming  to  within  twenty  to  thirty  feet  of  the  surface. 
A  bathing  tank  was  built  in  the  ravine  below  Otey  Spring, 
of  the  capacity  of  63,000  gallons,  and  was  easily  fillet 


290  HISTORY    OF    THE 

in  two  or  three  days  from  the  Otey  and  Polk  Springs. 
The  hydraulic  ram  was  tried  at  both  the  Polk  and  Otey 
Springs,  but  was  not  reliable  enough  to  be  satisfactory, 
especially  as  only  10  per  cent  of  the  water  was  available 
to  supply  a  limited  amount  of  water.  Finally,  in  1896-97, 
the  stone  bathing  tank  was  covered  and  converted  into  a 
reservoir,  and  a  tank  of  the  capacity  of  5,000  gallons 
was  placed  on  Breslin  tower,  and  filled  by  a  pumping 
engine  of  the  capacity  of  6,000  gallons  per  hour,  supplying 
from  there  water  to  Walsh  Hall,  the  gymnasium  baths,  St. 
Lukes  Hall,  the  supply  store  and  the  grammar  school 
dormitory,  besides  a  supply  to  eight  families.  A  dam 
was  thrown  across  the  ravine  below  Green  and  Curtis 
Springs  in  1897,  through  the  efforts  of  Rev.  Mr.  Guerry, 
for  a  bathing  pool.  A  very  large  spring,  called  Elliott 
Spring,  not  on  but  very  near  the  University  domain, 
exists  about  three  miles  south  of  the  University  buildings, 
having  a  capacity  of  1,300  to  1,500  gallons  per  hour.  If 
it  was  expedient  to  make  use  of  that  in  connection  with 
the  springs  near  by  a  supply  of  75,000  gallons  per  day 
could  be  obtained,  which  would  be  ample  for  many  years. 
The  bored  wells  and  springs  are  supposed  to  be  supplied 
by  the  gradual  permeating  through  the  sandstone  rock 
of  the  winter  and  spring  rains.  There  seems  to  be  no 
other  reasonable  hypothesis,  as  no  higher  ranges  exist 
in  the  vicinity. 

Royal  purple  was  adopted  at  this  time  as  the  official 
color  of  the  University,  afterwards  changed  to  purple 
and  gold.  The  separation  of  the  grammar  school  from 
the  University  proper  was  again  the  subject  of  considera- 
tion, and  the  executive  committee  was  instructed  to 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  291 

confer  with  the  hebdomadal  board.  Among  the  sugges- 
tions made  was.  one  to  abolish  the  grammar  school 
altogether,  and  provide  one  or  more  popular  courses 
which  might  take  into  the  University  older  and  more 
advanced  pupils  of  the  grammar  school. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon,  in  1891,  was  preached  by  the 
Kev.  E.  A.  Hoffman,  D.  D.,  dean  of  The  General  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  in  New  York,  and  the  commencement  oration 
was  delivered  by  Henry  Watterson,  Esq.,  of  Kentucky, 
the  distinguished  editor  of  the  Louisville  Courier-Journal. 
The  number  of  students  enrolled  during  the  year,  1890-91, 
was  248,  a  still  further  falling  off  from  the  year  preced- 
ing. 

Prof.  F.  M.  Page  resigned  the  chair  of  modern  lan- 
guages at  the  close  of  lent  term,  1891,  and  Mr.  B.  W. 
Wells,  Ph.  D.  D.,  was  elected  to  that  chair.  Dr.  Wells  was 
a  great  acquisition  to  the  faculty  of  the  University,  both 
for  his  special  qualification  as  an  instructor  of  modern 
languages  and  also  for  his  ability  in  the  domain  of  letters. 

The  Kev.  C.  Kinlock  Nelson,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated 
bishop  of  Georgia,  on  February  24,  1892.  Rev.  T.  F. 
Gailor,  S.  T.  D.,  vice  chancellor,  had  been  elected  to  that 
office,  but  had  declined  such  election. 

During  the  spring  of  1892  the  medical  department  was 
organized  with  Dr.  H.  W.  Blanc,  an  alumnus  of  the 
University,  as  dean,  assisted  by  Doctors  Cain,  Buist, 
Miller,  Witherspoon,  Piggott,  Wood,  Wilson  and  Hanley. 
But  seven  medical  students  were  enrolled  the  first  year. 
Thompson  Hall  was  assigned  to  the  use  of  the  medical 
department.  Mr.  V.  D.  Walsh  supplemented  his  donation 
for  the  Walsh  memorial  building  with  the  further  sum  of 


292  HISTORY    OF    THE 

$8,745,  for  the  completion  of  the  building,  and  $4,500 
for  the  heating  and  furnishing  of  the  same,  making  the 
total  sum  contributed  by  him  for  that  building,  $33,245. 

It  was  completed  in  1892,  and  occupied  by  the  academic 
department  for  class  rooms.  It  contains  also  the  society 
halls  of  the  Pi  Omega  and  Sigma  Epsilon  Literary 
Society,  a  large  assembly  room  (afterwards  used  for  a 
library  and  reading  room),  and  vice  chancellor's  official 
office.  Built  of  Sewanee  stone,  three  stories  in  height, 
165  feet  in  length,  it  forms  now  one  of  the  principal 
buildings,  of  the  University.  It  requires  the  construction 
of  the  stone  cloisters  on  the  west  end  and  south  side  to 
give  it  an  architectural  completeness  and  proper  propor- 
tion. Moreover,  as  it  now  stands,  with  its  comparatively 
narrow  west  end  to  the  avenue,  it  loses  much  of  the  effect 
it  would  have  had  if  built  facing  the  avenue. 

Although  much  care  was  exercised  to  secure  from  the 
contractors  (the  Pittsburg  Construction  Co.)  a  good 
and  reliable  bond,  it  turned  out  that  the  contractors, 
when  the  building  was  finished,  had  received  the  entire 
amount  of  their  stipulated  contract,  but  were  in  debt  to 
material  men  and  others  upward  of  $5,000,  for  which 
suits  were  brought  against  the  building,  and  also  a 
claim  by  subcontractor,  resulting  in  the  obtaining  of  a 
judgment  against  the  University  of  upwards  of  $4,000, 
which  could  not  be  made,  at  the  time,  out  of  the  bonds- 
men of  the  contractors,  and  was  paid  by  a  gift  from  Geo. 
W.  Quintard,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  in  1896,  to  the  Univer- 
sity treasurer  for  that  purpose. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon,  in  1892,  was  delivered  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  C.  K.  Nelson,  bishop  of  Georgia,  the  commence- 
ment oration  by  the  Hon.  Chief  Justice  Logan  E.  Bleckley, 
of  Georgia. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  293 

In  May,  1892,  information  was  given  to  the  executive 
committee  that  Mrs.  Mary  W.  Tustin,  late  of  Grand 
Rapids,  Mich.,  had,  on  the  20th  of  July,  1891,  made  a 
will  bequeathing  to  the  theological  department  of  the 
University  of  the  South  the  remainder  of  her  estate, 
real  and  personal,  which  it  was  estimated  would  amount 
to  about  the  sum  of  |25,000.  Mr.  McKee,  executor  of 
Mrs.  Tustin's  will,  was  present  at  the  meeting  of  the 
board  in  August,  and  Mr.  Z.  D.  Harrison  was  appointed 
as  agent  and  attorney  of  the  University  to  look  after 
such  bequest. 

In  1892  Mr.  Frederic  Hubbard,  of  New  York,  made 
a  gift  of  |20,000  to  the  theological  department,  the 
interest  on  which  should  be  devoted  to  the  maintenance 
and  care  of  the  theological  department  under  the  control 
of  the  dean  thereof.  The  fund  was  accordingly  invested 
so  as  to  produce  an  annual  income  of  $1,200. 

During  the  same  year  Mrs.  J.  H.  M.  Clinch,  of 
Savannah,  Ga.,  established  two  additional  scholarships  of 
$5,000  each  in  the  theological  department,  making  three 
such  scholarships,  to  be  entitled  the  Walburg  Scholarship 
Fund,  to  be  administered  by  the  board  of  trustees.  Tha 
reception  of  these  substantial  tokens  of  interest  in  its 
welfare  and  confidence  in  its  future  afforded  much 
matter  of  congratulation  to  those  interested  in  the 
University.  It  was  felt  that  no  department  was  so 
necessary  as  the  theological  department,  and  that  its 
strength  and  growth  meant  strength  and  growth  for  the 
University;  that  when  the  larger  portion  of  the  parishes 
of  the  South  were  filled  with  men  educated  at  Sewanee 
the  church  would  recognize  and  feel  how  important  to 


294  HISTORY    OF    THE 

its  well-being  is  Sewanee,  and  what  it  stands  for,  and 
that  the  influence  of  the  Sewanee-trained  clergy  could  not 
but  have  a  most  beneficial  effect  in  sending  to  the  Univer- 
sity the  sons  of  their  parishoners,  and  creating  an  interest 
in  its  behalf. 

To  meet  the  views  of  those  who  desired  a  business 
education,  the  school  of  commerce  and  trade  was 
organized.  The  tendency  of  the  present  age  to  seek 
independence  on  the  part  of  the  young,  and  to  become 
wage  earners  at  as  early  an  age  as  possible,  has  caused 
a  great  development  of  what  are  termed  "business 
colleges,'7  useful,  no  doubt,  for  a  technical  training  in  the 
forms  and  methods  of  business,  bookkeeping,  stenography, 
typewriting,  etc.,  but  calculated  to  induce  young  men  to 
seek  and  be  contented  with  a  one-sided  and  narrow  train- 
ing, looking  to  material  instead  of  moral  and  intellectual 
ends.  Our  University  should,  as  far  as  possible,  counter- 
act this  tendency  by  combining  as  well  as  may  be  the 
intellectual  with  a  business  training  for  those  who  desire 
mainly  the  latter. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  295 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

The  constitution  amended  providing  for  the  election  of  chancellor 
— Reservation  of  grounds  from  lease — Purchase  of  University 
Hotel  property — Death  of  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith — Tribute  to 
the  Rt.  Rev.  C.  T.  Quintard,  D.  C.  L.,  bishop  of  Tennessee — 
The  Tustin  Fund  for  use  of  the  theological  department — 
Establishment  of  the  law  department — Completion  of  Walsh 
Memorial  Hall — Consecration  of  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Gailor  as 
bishop  coadjutor  of  Tennessee — Death  of  Bishop  Gregg — 
Election  of  Rt.  Rev.  T.  U.  Dudley  as  chancellor. 

1893. 

REV.  ELLISON  CAPERS,  D.  D.,  was  consecrated  assistant 
bishop  of  South  Carolina  on  July  20,  1893.  The  consti- 
tution was,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  committee  on 
constitution  and  statutes,  amended,  providing  for  the 
election  of  chancellor  for  the  term  of  six  years,  which  was 
confirmed  the  following  year.  The  board  adopted  a 
resolution  making  certain  reservations  for  the  general 
purposes  of  the  University,  for  buildings,  grounds,  and 
parks,  according  to  a  schedule  and  plat  prepared  and 
presented  to  the  executive  committee  by  Mr.  G.  R.  Fair- 
banks, embracing  the  triangular  piece  of  ground  bounded 
by  University  Avenue  and  Polk  Avenue  as  far  as  the 
Tomlinson  Place,  and  including  Atkinson  Spring,  to  be 
known  as  Polk  Park.  Also  the  grounds  lying  between  the 
Lovell  Place  on  south,  the  supply  store  and  Jones  Place, 
to  be  known  as  Elliott  Park.  Also  the  chapel  grounds, 
the  grounds  of  Walsh  Memorial  and  convocation  house, 
and  thence  north  to  a  point  290  feet  beyond  the  Sewanee 


29$  HISTORY    OF    THE 

baseball  grounds.  Also  the  circle  around  the  corner- 
stone, the  Hardee  baseball  grounds  and  the  cemetery. 
Also  all  views  subject  to  exceptions  which  may  be  made 
by  the  board  of  trustees.  All  springs,  and  ground  within 
a  circle  of  a  radius  of  fifty  feet.  Also  the  ravine  above 
and  below  Polk  Spring  to  the  Hodgson  leased  grounds. 

In  the  theological  department  Rev.  Dr.  Benton  was 
elected  as  acting  professor,  and  Mr.  John  Gadsden  acting 
master  of  the  grammar  school,  which  he  declined  and 
Mr.  R.  M.  Huse  was  elected  as  his  successor.  Mr. 
Gadsden,  from  causes  beyond  his  control,  had  been  unable 
to  bring  the  grammar  school  up  to  the  desired  require- 
ments. The  existing  condition  of  mingling  grammar 
school  students  in  boarding  houses  with  University 
students  had  militated  against  the  carrying  into  effect 
proper  discipline,  and  rendered  the  master  helpless  in 
enforcing  it. 

In  April,  1892,  the  University  purchased  the  University 
Hotel  property  for  the  sum  of  $5,000,  including  its 
furniture  and  appurtenances.  The  hotel,  as  has  before 
been  mentioned,  was  acquired  by  the  University  Hotel 
Company  in  1883.  It  then  consisted  only  of  the  Phelan 
residence  which  had  been  somewhat  enlarged,  later  the 
Dunbar  school  building  was  purchased,  moved  across  the 
street  and  built  up  into  a  two-story  building  and  named 
Virginia  Cottage,  but  Samuel  G.  Jones,  for  some  time 
treasurer  of  the  University,  was  the  prime  mover  in  the 
hotel  enterprise.  Later  Gen.  E.  Kirby  Smith  and  Dr.  J. 
W.  Arnold  furnished  about  $5,000  each,  and  the  hotel  was 
enlarged  to  three  times  its  original  capacity,  the  large 
two-story  house  across  the  street,  known  as  the  Gotten 


VXIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  297 

Souse,  was  used  as  an  annex.  The  first  year  or  two  the 
hotel  made  a  profit  for  its  stockholders.  Afterwards  it 
made  no  profit  and  then  began  to  lose  money.  In  1886, 
Colonel  Jones  died  suddenly  and  the  property  deteriorated 
so  that,  in  1891,  it  went  into  the  hands  of  a  receiver  who 
sold  it  out  for  the  sum  above  named.  The  opportunity  was 
thus  afforded  by  this  purchase  of  separating  the  grammar 
school  boys  from  the  University  students  and  placing 
them  in  a  dormitory.  The  hotel  was  accordingly  fitted 
up  for  this  purpose,  and  the  grammar  school  localized  by 
itself.  It  was  not  such  a  location  as  was  desired,  but  it 
was  the  best  arrangement  which  could  be  made  under  the 
circumstances,  and  proved  to  be  a  wise  investment, 
solving  in  great  part  the  most  serious  obstacle  to  the  well- 
being  of  the  grammar  school.  A  committee  appointed 
to  find  a  proper  location  in  future  selected  the  premises 
known  as  the  Tomlinson  Place,  which  seemed  to  present 
the  most  advantages.  Rev.  Dr.  A.  A.  Benton,  professor 
of  systematic  divinity,  having  been  elected  only  acting 
professor,  at  this  meeting  of  the  board,  declined  the  posi- 
tion, which  was  filled  by  the  election  of  the  Rev.  W.  T. 
Manning,  B.  D.  Mr.  W.  B.  Nauts  was  elected  assistant 
professor  of  ancient  languages,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Gailor  was 
reelected  chaplain. 

Much  annoyance  was  experienced  by  the  authorities  of 
the  University  in  consequence  of  extensive  encroachments 
and  trespasses  upon  the  University  domain  by  parties 
(W.  S.  Bennett  and  others)  claiming  to  have  some  kind 
of  title  to  lands  within  the  exterior  lines  of  the  domain, 
especially  in  the  western  portion.  After  an  official 
survey  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  former 


298  HISTORY    OF   THE 

commissioner  of  buildings  and  lands,  suits  by  injunction 
were  instituted  against  all  the  trespassers  and,  finally, 
made  perpetual.  The  trespasses,  however,  had  been 
extensive,  and  compensation  was  not  attainable.  The 
injury  will  be  long  felt  in  the  destruction  of  thousands 
oi  trees  and  the  encumbrance  of  dead  tops  and  unsightly 
stumps. 

Just  after  the  opening  of  the  Lent  term,  1893,  Gen.  E. 
Kirby  Smith,  professor  of  mathematics,  died  at  his  home 
in  Sewanee.  He  had  been  in  impaired  health  for  a  year 
or  two  previously,  but,  suffering  as  he  was,  reported  for 
duty  a  few  days  before  his  death.  Vice  Chancellor  Gailor, 
in  his  report  to  the  board  of  trustees,  in  August,  1893, 
pays  this  just  tribute  to  his  character :  "No  name  in  the 
records  of  the  internal  administration  of  the  University 
shall  shine  with  a  purer  lustre  than  his.  He  had  the  love 
and  respect  of  every  student  and  professor.  He  was  ever 
the  loyal,  unselfish  friend  of  Sewanee,  an  efficient  officer, 
a  devoted  churchman,  a  noble,  high-minded  Christian 
gentleman."  He  was  born  at  St.  Augustine,  Fla.,  in  the 
year  1824,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  was  sixty-nine 
years  of  age,  but  until  shortly  before  his  illness  had  been 
unusually  active  and  energetic. 

At  the  diocesan  council  of  Tennessee  in  May,  1893, 
Rev.  Dr.  Gailor  was  elected  bishop  coadjutor  of  that 
diocese,  and  had  signified  his  acceptance. 

On  the  10th  of  July,  1893,  Bishop  Alexander  Gregg, 
fifth  chancellor  of  the  University,  died  at  Austin,  Texas. 
The  board  of  trustees  entered  upon  their  minutes  the 
following  just  tribute : 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  29 1 

"Bishop  Gregg  became  identified  with,  this  University 
before  its  brighter  prospects  were  blighted  by  the  war 
between  the  states,  and  upon  the  return  of  peace  he  joined 
in  with  enthusiasm  to  help  build  it  up.  Sewanee  was 
always  in  his-  heart,  and  no  visitation  with  him  was 
complete  without  a  word  in  its  favor.  His  devotion  to 
this  University  was  a  most  conspicuous  factor  in  his  life, 
because  of  the  deep  conviction  that  its  work  and  the 
work  of  the  church  are  one." 

Eleven  bishops  were  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  board 
in  1893.  It  was  the  quarter  centenary  of  the  opening  of 
the  University,  and  was  unusually  well  attended.  Bishop 
Quintard  presided  at  the  opening  of  the  session  as  acting 
chancellor,  and  made  a  statement  relative  thereto  declin- 
ing to  have  his  own  name  considered  in  the  election 
which,  under  the  provisions  of  the  amendment  to  Article 
4,  required  an  election  of  the  chancellor  for  a  term  of 
six  years.  Bishop  Quintard  nominated  Bishop  Dudley, 
of  Kentucky,  as  chancellor,  the  ballot  being  taken  by 
orders.  The  bishop  of  Kentucky  was  elected.  Bishop 
Quintard  announced  his  own  retirement  from  active 
participation  in  the  deliberations  of  the  board.  A  minute 
was  adopted  expressing  their  regret  at  the  announcement. 
After  speaking  of  his  most  unselfish  and  faithful  leader- 
ship in  the  past  and  of  the  grateful  memory  entertained 
of  his  illustrious  services  to  the  University,  they  say 
they  cannot  refrain  from  here  recording  the  fact  that  this 
institution  owes  its  actual  existence  to  the  courageous 
faith  and  invincible  zeal  of  the  bishop  of  Tennessee,  when 
its  resuscitation  from  the  disaster  of  the  war  seemed  an 
impossibility,  and  the  further  fact  that  through  subse- 


300  HISTORY    OF    THE 

quent  years  the  largest  proportion  of  its  material  growth 
and  a  most  powerful  factor  in  its  whole  development  are 
due  to  the  same  devotion  and  ability  which  virtually 
established  the  institution.  "If  the  projectors  of  the 
University  of  the  South,  held  as  they  are,  and  deservedly, 
in  consecrated  memory,  are  to  be  regarded  as  God's  instru- 
ments in  the  development  of  a  mighty  educational  design 
alike  precious  to  church  and  fatherland,  equally  are  we 
to  hold  and  reverence  the  bishop  of  Tennessee  as  a  chosen 
instrument  of  God  in  the  achievement  of  this  plan,  and 
equally  also  we  realize  that  his  name  must  be  perpetuated 
through  all  generations  as  one  of  its  most  blessed  bene- 
factors." 

A  settlement  of  the  whole  matter  of  the  bequest  of 
Mrs.  Mary  W.  Tustin  having  been  made  through  the 
judicious  efforts  of  Z.  D.  Harrison,  Esq.,  and  the  sum 
received  amounting  to  the  sum  of  f28,808.08,  the  board 
adopted  a  resolution  pledging  the  faith  of  the  University 
to  the  payment  of  $1,500  per  annum,  estimated  as  a 
reasonable  interest  on  said  sum,  to  the  treasurer  of  the 
theological  department  to  be  applied  to  the  payment  of 
salaries  of  professors  in  that  department. 

This  action  caused  much  discussion  in  the  board,  some 
persons  insisting  that,  it  being  given  for  the  benefit  of  the 
theological  department,  it  should  be  invested  in  outside 
securities  as  an  independent  trust  fund.  It  was  held 
on  the  other  hand  that  the  fund  had  been  given  to  the 
University  for  the  use  of  its  theological  department, 
and  was  under  no  special  restriction  as  to  its  control, 
investment  and  management,  and  that  the  action  proposed 
was  in  full  accordance  with  the  purpose  of  its  donor, 


Rt.  Rev.  ELLISON  CAPERS,  D.  D. 

Bishop  of  South  Carolina  j  Seventh  Chancellor  of  the  University. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  301 

securing  its  use  for  the  support  of  the  theological  depart- 
ment. That  the  security  was  ample  and  that  there  could 
be  no  charge  of  any  breach  of  trust  so  long  as  there 
was  a  faithful  payment  of  the  amount  estimated  as  such 
fair  interest  on  the  amount  of  the  gift.  The  board 
sustained  the  latter  view  and  directed  that  this  gift 
should  be  designated  and  known  thereafter  as  the 
"Tustin  Memorial  Fund,"  and  the  treasurer  should  keep 
a  separate  account  of  the  fund  and  disburse  it  as  might 
be  directed  by  the  board  of  trustees.  There  has  always 
been  in  the  board  a  strong  sentiment  as  to  the  invest- 
ment and  use  of  funds  given  to  the  University,  and  a 
feeling  that  it  was  safer  to  invest  upon  the  security 
obtainable  outside  than  the  security  of  our  own  obliga- 
tions. This,  it  seems  to  the  writer,  is  a  question  of 
expediency  and  of  what  is  at  the  time  for  the  best 
interests  of  the  University,  and  the  board  of  trustees  or 
its  executive  committee  can  best  decide  the  practical 
question  before  them  where  no  limitation  or  direction 
accompanies  the  benefaction.  This  view  has  been  held 
by  the  members  of  the  board  most  familiar  with  business 
affairs  and  legal  and  equitable  considerations.  Mr. 
Johns  Hopkins,  of  Baltimore,  made  a  very  large  gift  for 
the  founding  of  the  Johns  Hopkins  University  in  that 
city.  He  accompanied  this  gift  with  the  restriction  that 
the  University  should  not  dispose  or  alienate  the  stock 
of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad  which  was  given  for 
such  endowment.  This  stock  was  then  in  high  favor  and 
commanded  a  premium  and  paid  good  dividends.  A  few 
years  later,  after  the  death  of  its  able  president,  the 
Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad  became  involved  in  financial 


302  HISTORY    OF    THE 

difficulties,  suspended  the  payment  of  dividends,  and  left 
the  Johns  Hopkins  University  in  great  straits  to  carry 
on  its  work.  A  similar  trouble  has  embarrassed  the 
Lehigh  University  for  a  similar  cause.  It  is  wiser  to 
leave  the  control  and  investment  of  such  funds  unre- 
stricted, providing  simply  for  their  proper  use,  taking  it 
for  granted  that  the  trustees  and  custodians,  who  have 
the  responsibility,  will  exercise  it  faithfully  and  judici- 
ously. Sentiment,  merely,  is  not  a  good  basis  in  business 
affairs. 

The  year  1893  witnessed  the  establishment  of  the  law 
school  with  the  appointment  of  Burr  J.  Ramage,  Esq., 
as  dean. 

The  Walsh  Memorial  Hall  was  reported  as  complete 
and  ready  for  occupation,  and  was  occupied  in  the 
Trinity  term,  1893.  The  building  committee,  consisting 
of  Prof  Wiggins,  Bishop  Gray  and  Rev.  Mr.  VanHoose, 
reported  that  the  amount  disbursed  on  original  contract 
was $28,745.00 

For  steam  heating  and  water  pipes 2,625.00 

Extras,  including  furniture 3,710.12 


Making  the  total  cost  in  cash  paid  out $35,089.12 

It  should  be  here  stated,  however,  that  the  additional 
sum  of  $4,500  was  paid  by  the  University  to  extinguish  a 
contractor's  lien,  thus  bringing  up  the  cost  to  $39,600. 

Of  this  sum  Col.  V.  D.  Walsh  gave  $34,245  and  rebate 
on  freight  given  by  the  North  Carolina  &  St.  Louis 
Railroad,  through  Colonel  Thomas,  $1,300.  The  Univer- 
sity has  since  paid  the  judgment  for  contractors'  liens 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  303 

of  |4,280.02,  which,  added  to  the  |35,080.12  previously 
paid,  makes  the  cost  of  Walsh  Memorial  Hall  and 
furniture,  etc.,  $39,360.14,  about  double  the  amount  orig- 
inally proposed  to  be  given  by  Colonel  Walsh  for  this 
purpose.  The  whole  labor  and  work  of  the  building  com- 
mittee devolved  upon  Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins,  who  brought 
to  the  laborious  work  a  very  high  degree  of  technical  skill 
and  judicious  management.  Upon  the  west  end  of  the 
building  a  tablet  of  Tennessee  marble  has  been  placed 
with  the  following  inscription : 

Walsh  Memorial  Hall. 

Erected  by  V.  D.  Walsh  of  Louisiana. 

In  loving  memory  of  his  daughter, 

Susan  Jessie. 
September  18,  1890. 

The  bishop  coadjutor  of  Tennessee,  vice  chancellor  of 
the  University,  was  consecrated  on  the  25th  of  July,  1893, 
in  St.  Augustines  chapel.  The  sermon  was  preached  by 
the  Et.  Kev.  Geo.  F.  Seymour,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  bishop  of 
Springfield.  The  sermon,  a  notable  one,  was  published 
with  notes  and  has  taken  its  place  as  a  standard  exposition 
of  the  church's  faith  and  doctrine. 

The  consecration  of  Bishop  Gailor  was  the  first  con- 
secration of  a  bishop  which  had  ever  taken  place  at 
Sewanee  and  was  a  notable  event  from  the  number  of 
bishops  and  clergy  present,  and  from  its  connection  with 
the  University  in  the  consecration  to  the  office  of  a  bishop^ 
of  its  chaplain  and  vice  chancellor. 


304  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Reorganization  and  enlargement  of  the  executive  committee — 
Resignation  of  Rev.  T.  P.  Gailor  as  vice  chancellor — Election 
of  Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins  as  vice  chancellor — Death  of  Rev. 
Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  dean  of  the  theological  department. 

1893  - 1894. 

THE  impaired  health  of  Bishop  Gregg,  the  chancellor, 
prevented  his  being  present  and  presiding  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  trustees  in  1892,  and  Bishop  Quintard, 
next  in  seniority  of  those  present,  presided  as  acting 
-chancellor.  Bishop  Gallaher,  of  Louisiana,  had  died  on 
December  7,  1891,  greatly  regretted.  He  had  been  an 
officer  in  the  Confederate  service,  was  consecrated  third 
bishop  of  Louisiana  on  the  5th  of  February,  1880,  and 
was  at  the  time  of  his  death  about  fifty- three  years  of  age. 

The  board  of  trustees,  in  August,  1892,  placed  on  record 
the  following  just  tribute  to  his  memory : 

"He  was  a  noble  man,  fearless  and  tender,  loyal  and 
true.  On  the  field  of  battle,  in  the  forum,  and  in  the 
chancel,  always  and  everywhere,  he  was  the  champion 
of  the  truth,  the  defender  of  that  committed  to  his  trust, 
the  advocate  of  that  which  he  believed  to  be  right.  Our 
council  chamber  misses  the  melody  of  his  voice,  the  resist- 
less impulse  of  his  burning  words,  the  compelling  power 
of  his  logical  reasoning." 

Bishop  Howe,  of  South  Carolina,  was  absent  from  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1892  from  ill 
health,  and  was  never  able  afterwards  to  be  present.  Rev. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  305 

Dr.  Ellison  Capers  was  elected  as  assistant  bishop  of 
South  Carolina  in  1893.  The  baccalaureate  sermon  was 
preached,  in  1893,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  W.  Stevens  Perry, 
D.D.,  LL.D.,  bishop  of  Iowa,  and  the  commencement 
oration  was  delivered  by  W.  M.  Polk,  M.  D.,  a  distin- 
guished physician,  now  of  New  York  City,  a  son  of 
Bishop  Leonidas  Polk,  and  author  of  "The  Life  of  Leonidas 
Polk,  Bishop  and  General." 

A  treasurer  for  the  theological  department  was  created 
by  Statute  30.  The  executive  committee  was  reorganized 
to  consist  of  three  members  of  each  order,  bishops,  clergy 
and  laity,  and  the  chancellor  ex  officio,  five  should  consti- 
tute a  quorum,  and  that  three  members  of  the  committee 
should  be  elected  each  year. 

This  was  the  most  important  step  in  the  organization 
of  the  University.  It  established  a  committee  of  ten,  four 
of  whom  should  be  bishops,  three  clerical  and  three  lay 
members,  and  three  of  the  elected  number  to  go  out  every 
year,  and  a  new  election  had  for  their  successors.  With 
the  increase  of  trustees  by  subdivision  of  the  dioceses 
the  board  had  become  changeable  in  its  annual  attendance 
and  somewhat  unwieldy,  and,  as  it  held  only  one  meeting 
annually,  important  matters  would  necessarily  arise  which 
could  only  be  settled  by  the  authority  of  the  board.  The 
whole  power  of  the  board  being  invested  ad  interim  in  the 
executive  committee,  a  quorum  of  which  could  ordinarily 
be  assembled  when  required,  the  necessary  business  could 
be  transacted.  Indeed,  without  some  such  provision  the 
business  matters  of  the  corporation  would  at  times  suffer 
great  detriment.  The  committee  was  made  sufficiently 
large  to  have  the  benefit  of  the  opinion  of  a  sufficient 


306  HISTORY    OF    THE 

number,  and  not  too  large  to  be  efficient.  It  would 
probably  be  better  to  simply  require  a  representation  of 
each  order  on  the  committee  instead  of  a  definite  number 
of  each  order.  The  Bt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Gailor,  bishop 
coadjutor,  resigned  the  position  of  vice  chancellor,  as  also 
that  of  chaplain  of  the  University,  in  August,  1893. 

The  Rev.  W.  A.  Guerry,  B.  D.,  was  elected  chaplain,  and 
Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins,  M.  A.,  was  elected  vice  chancellor 
to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Bishop  Gailor,  being 
four  years.  Prof.  Wiggins  and  Rev.  Mr.  Guerry  accepted 
the  positions  to  which  they  were  elected.  Prof.  B.  L. 
Wiggins,  a  native  of  South  Carolina  and  a  pupil,  for  some 
time,  in  the  Porter  Academy  at  Charleston,  came  to 
Sewanee  in  1877,  and  entered  the  University  as  a  junior, 
being  then  seventeen  years  of  age.  He  was  soon  advanced 
to  the  order  of  gownsmen  and  graduated  in  1882,  having 
earned  the  degree  of  master  of  arts.  He  became  pro- 
fessor of  ancient  languages  in  1882,  upon  the  resignation 
of  Prof.  Caskie  Harrison,  to  which  position  he  was 
reelected  in  1887  and  1892.  He  retained  his  professorship 
after  his  election  as  vice  chancellor.  He  became,  in  fact 
as  well  as  in  name,  the  administrative  head  of  the 
University  in  all  its  affairs.  Prof.  Wiggins  had  been  a 
most  diligent  student  of  Greek,  and  had  supplemented  his 
course  at  Sewanee  by  devoting  his  entire  vacation  to 
attending  the  classes  of  the  eminent  Greek  scholar,  Dr. 
Basil  Gildersleeve  of  the  Johns  Hopkins  University.  He 
brought  to  the  vice  chancellor's  office  the  energy  of  youth, 
the  training  of  a  well  disciplined  mind,  quick  perceptions 
and  prompt  action.  He  is  what  is  well  designated  as  "an 
all  around  man."  With  great  capacity  for  work,  unlimited 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  307 

endurance,  and  an  enthusiastic  devotion  to  the  welfare 
of  the  University,  he  has  made  an  admirable  vice  chan- 
cellor, both  from  the  scholastic  and  business  point  of  view. 

The  Rev.  Greenough  White,  M.  A.,  B.  D.,  was  elected, 
in  1893,  to  the  chair  of  ecclesiastical  history  and  church 
polity,  the  Eev.  W.  T.  Manning  to  the  chair  of  systematic 
divinity,  Mr.  G.  S.  Clark  was  elected  adjunct  professor  of 
the  school  of  engineering. 

Rev.  C.  M.  Beckwith  was  elected  head  master  of  the 
grammar  school  and  declined  the  appointment.  Mr.  R.  M. 
Huse,  M.  A.,  was  elected  to  the  position. 

The  committee  on  degrees,  in  consideration  of  the  year 
1893  being  the  quarter  centenary  of  the  opening  of  the 
scholastic  work  of  the  University,  reported  a  recommenda- 
tion for  the  granting  of  an  unusual  number  of  the 
honorary  degree  of  doctor  of  divinity. 

On  the  llth  of  September,  1893,  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson, 
D.  D.,  dean  of  the  theological  department,  died  very 
suddenly  of  apoplexy  at  his  home  at  Sewanee,  in  the 
fifty-fourth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  a  Virginian  by  birth, 
and  graduated  at  Princeton  in  1859.  He  entered 
the  general  theological  seminary  in  1860,  but  soon 
returned  South  and  served  as  a  Confederate  officer  on 
General  Wheeler's  staff.  In  1863  he  was  ordained  deacon, 
and  priest  in  1864.  During  subsequent  years  he  was 
rector  in  New  Jersey  and  Maryland,  and  in  1878  was 
elected  dean  of  the  theological  department  of  the  Univer- 
sity, and  vice  chancellor  1879  to  1890.  To  the  University 
he  gave  the  best  years  of  his  life,  bearing  the  burden  of 
the  work  as  vice  chancellor,  treasurer,  commissioner  of 
buildings  and  lands,  and  dean  of  the  theological  depart- 


308  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ment.  He  came  to  the  University  at  a  critical  period 
of  its  history,  and  by  his  personal  means  and  financial 
standing  he  was  enabled  to  rescue  it  from  grave  diffi- 
culties, and,  what  was  at  the  time  of  very  great  conse- 
quence, he  reestablished  public  confidence  in  its  success 
and  stability. 

The  board  of  trustees  gave  expression  to  their  feeling, 
saying  they  were  glad  to  "make  their  recorded  minute 
in  honor  of  the  memory  of  this  good  man  and  true  priest 
of  God,  and  to  express  gratitude  for  a  life  so  true  and 
faithful,  so  full  of  help  to  men,  so  unselfish  in  generositv 
to  the  University  of  the  South,  so  loyal  to  the  faith  and 
Church  of  God."  The  board  had  also  to  record  its  sense 
of  their  loss  in  the  death  of  Rt.  Rev.  Theo.  Lyman,  bishop 
of  North  Carolina,  which  occurred  in  December,  1893. 

The  number  of  students  enrolled  for  the  year,  1892-93, 
was  275,  of  whom  24  were  in  the  medical,  11  in  the  law 
and  19  in  the  theological  departments. 

In  January,  1894,  Rev.  P.  A.  Shoup,  having  made 
arrangements  to  assume  charge  of  the  Columbia  Female 
Institute,  tendered  his  resignation  of  the  chair  of  mathe- 
matics, and  Mr.  Geo.  S.  Clark  assumed  the  duties  of  such 
chair  pro  temporc,  and  Rev.  Dr.  DuBose  the  chair  of 
metaphysics.  The  executive  committee,  in  December, 
1893,  appointed  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  S.  T.  D.,  dean  of  the 
theological  department  until  the  next  meeting  of  the 
board,  when  he  was  duly  elected  to  that  position. 

The  number  of  students  enrolled  for  the  year,  1893-94, 
was  300,  of  whom  46  were  medical,  16  law  and  16 
theological,  84  in  grammar  school,  138  academic. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  309 

A  commons  hall  was  established  during  this  year  for 
St.  Lukes  Theological  Department,  the  basement  being 
fitted  up  for  that  purpose.  It  was  found  that  the  expense 
of  board  for  theological  students  and  postulants  could  be 
largely  reduced  by  this  means,  and  the  plan  wrorked 
satisfactorily — board  being  furnished  at  f  12  per  month. 

The  Hill  legacy,  having  been  placed  under  the  control 
of  the  board,  was  divided  into  scholarships  for  the 
purpose  of  educating  young  men  of  marked  ability. 
These  scholarships  to  be  in  the  academic  department  and 
the  holder  thereof  entitled  to  receive  the  proceeds  thereof, 
less  charges  for  tuition. 

Under  the  authority  of  the  board  the  vice  chancellor 
established  a  supply  store,  drugs,  stationery,  etc.,  and 
moved  a  building  north  of  the  chapel,  which  had  been 
used  for  classrooms,  but  was  no  longer  needed,  down  to 
a  point  below,  and  had  the  same  well  fitted  up  for  such 
purpose.  The  investment  has  proved  a  good  one  for  the 
University  financially,  and  has  also  had  the  effect  of 
lessening  the  resort  of  students  to  the  railroad  station. 

The  commencement  oration,  in  1894,  was  delivered  by 
George  Zabriskie,  Esq.,  of  New  York,  and  the  bacca- 
laureate sermon  was  preached  by  the  Bt.  Kev.  Geo.  EL 
Kinsolving,  bishop  of  Texas. 

The  financial  situation  in  1894  was  very  unsatisfactory, 
the  debts  had  increased  and  deficits  still  grew. 

The  board,  in  August,  1894,  created  a  faculty  of  arts 
and  sciences,  and  elected  Prof.  W.  P.  Trent  as  dean  of 
the  faculty. 

A  revision  of  the  system  for  academic  hoods  was 
reported  upon  and  adopted  in  1894. 


310  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  income  of  the  medical  and  law  departments  had 
not  been  adequate  to  cover  the  expenses  of  their  main- 
tenance, and  it  was  doubtful  whether  it  was  expedient 
to  continue  these  departments  without  a  reasonable 
certainty  that  no  deficiency  should  fall  upon  the  Univer- 
sity. The  subject  was  finally  referred  to  the  executive 
committee  and  vice  chancellor,  to  be  dealt  with  as 
circumstances  might  require. 

Rev.  A.  W.  Knight,  of  Georgia,  reestablished  the  medal 
for  elocution  which  had  been  founded  by  Bishop  Lyman 
of  North  Carolina. 

A  new  schedule  of  requirements  for  the  conferring  of 
degrees  of  B.  A.,  M.  A.,  M.  S.,  and  C.  E.  was  adopted 
upon  the  recommendation  of  the  hebdomadal  board. 

The  committee  on  morals  and  discipline  reported  that 
they  believed  that  the  chapel  services  of  the  University 
represent  the  central  movement  in  the  social  and 
moral  life  of  the  institution,  and  it  appealed  to  the 
professors  and  other  officers  of  the  University  to  maintain 
by  their  personal  interest  and  devotion  this  most 
essential  feature  of  the  work  at  Sewanee.  That  it  was 
impossible  to  make  the  religious  tone  of  the  place  what 
it  ought  to  be  unless  the  officers  of  the  institution  show 
by  their  words  and  actions  that  they  believe  in  the 
importance  of  it.  That  no  man,  student  nor  officer  had 
any  right  or  place  in  any  department  who  habitually 
neglects  the  Sunday  services;  that  students  in  profes- 
sional schools  should  be  expected  to  attend  the  Sunday 
services  and,  at  least,  three  daily  services  each  week. 
They  recommended  that  the  students  of  all  the  schools 
should  have  their  attention  called  to  the  maintenance  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  311 

Sewanee,  of  its  reputation  for  courtesy  and  good  taste  in 
social  life,  essential  to  the  welfare  of  the  institution. 
The  report  was  adopted  as  the  view  of  the  board  on  this 
subject. 

It  has  been  the  tradition  of  Sewanee  that  courtesy  and 
respect  should  be  evinced  at  all  times  towards  strangers, 
and  that  no  lady  nor  elderly  person  should  be  passed 
without  a  respectful  salutation  and  a  touching  of  the 
cap.  New  students  soon  fall  into  the  custom  of  the  place, 
and  Sewanee  is  noted  for  gentlemanly  behavior  on  the 
part  of  the  students. 

The  vice  chancellor  reported  the  floating  debt,  in 
August,  1894,  as  amounting  to  about  $15,000,  with  a 
probable  deficit  of  $4,500  for  the  ensuing  year,  available 
assets  about  $6,500.  The  pressing  liabilities  were  about 
$6,000.  By  the  efforts  of  Bishop  Dudley  during  the 
ensuing  year  an  emergency  fund  of  over  $4,000  was 
raised. 

The  University  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  death  of 
another  of  its  staunch  friends  among  the  bishops,  the 
Rt.  Eev.  W.  B.  W.  Howe,  D.  D.,  of  South  Carolina,  who  died 
on  November  27,  1894,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two.  Bishop 
Howe  had  been  a  member  of  the  board  for  twenty-three 
years,  being  one  of  the  first  of  the  second  generation  of 
bishops  connected  with  the  University.  He  became  a 
trustee  in  succession  to  Bishop  Davis  in  1871.  Bishop 
Davis  had  never  taken  an  active  part  in  the  organization 
of  the  University,  and  his  loss  of  sight  after  the  civil 
war  had  limited  his  work  in  his  own  diocese.  Bishop 
Howe  took  great  interest  in  the  work  of  building  the 
University,  and  we  owe  it  to  him  and  others  in  that 


312  HISTORY    OF    THE 

diocese  that  Sewanee  has  had  so  large  a  number  of 
students,  and  so  many  from  that  State  who  have  become 
valuable  acquisitions  to  the  society  and  home  life  of 
Sewanee.  It  was  largely  through  Bishop  Howe's 
influence  that  the  diocese  of  South  Carolina  provided  an 
endowment  fund  for  the  payment  of  its  annual  contribu- 
tion to  the  support  of  the  theological  department.  His 
wise  counsel  and  faithful  service  on  the  board  were  fully 
recognized  by  his  associates  and  highly  appreciated. 
The  board  of  trustees  expressed  its  high  regard  for  the 
memory  of  Bishop  Howe  in  an  appropriate  minute,  say- 
ing: "that  he  combined  in  himself  rare  scholarship  and 
eminent  piety,  his  commanding  personality  impressed  all 
who  knew  him  as  of  a  truly  great  man,  while  in  his 
innocency  of  life  and  modesty  of  bearing  and  of  speech 
he  displayed  the  completing  qualities  of  a  well  rounded 
Christian  character,  deep  in  faith,  fervent  in  hope  and 
broad  in  charity." 

Rev.  F.  A.  Shoup  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  meta- 
physics and  resumed  his  connection  with  the  University 
with  which  he  had  been  so  long  associated.  His  health 
unfortunately  failed  during  the  fall  of  1895  to  such  a 
degree  that  he  was  unable  to  perform  his  professorial 
duties  during  Lent  term,  1896. 

Prof.  W.  T.  Manning,  who  had  filled  the  chair  of 
systematic  divinity  for  some  eighteen  months,  resigned 
at  close  of  Trinity  term,  1894,  and  removed  to  Cincinnati 
to  undertake  parochial  work.  The  executive  committee 
elected  Rev.  R.  H.  Starr,  D.  D.,  to  that  position,  who 
entered  upon  his  duties  in  March,  1895. 


Rt.  Rev.  T.  U.  DUDLEY,  D.  D.,  L.  L.  D. 

Bishop  of  Kentucky,  Sixth  Chancellor. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  313 

Mr.  Ernest  H.  Rowel  1,  M.  A.,  first  assistant  in  the 
grammar  school,  who  had  been  in  ill  health  for  some 
time,  died  in  South  Carolina  in  December,  1894,  in  the 
thirty-second  year  of  his  age.  Mr.  Rowell  was  very  highly 
appreciated,  and  his  death  was  greatly  regretted.  The 
quite  large  number  of  122  students  matriculated  in  1895, 
the  whole  number  enrolled  being  278. 

One  of  the  interesting  events  connected  with  the  com- 
mencement week  in  1894  was  the  acting  of  a  Greek  play, 
in  Forensic  Hall,  w^hich  had  been  most  carefully  prepared 
by  Prof.  B.  L.  Wiggins. 

Mr.  Silas  McBee,  who  had  served  the  University  as 
commissioner  of  endowment  for  several  years,  resigned 
that  office,  and,  declining  a  reelection,  the  Rev.  W.  D. 
Powers,  D.  D.,  was  elected  to  this  position. 


314  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Some  changes  of  professors  and  officers  made — The  military 
system  reestablished  in  the  Grammar  School — The  subject 
of  athletics  considered — The  Bishop  Dudley  endowment  fund 
of  $50,000  received — Dormitory  for  junior  students — Rev.  Dr. 
Hoffman's  visit  to  Sewanee. 

1895. 

THE  baccalaureate  sermon,  in  1895,  was  preached  by 
the  Rev.  John  S.  Lindsay,  D.  D.,  of  Boston,  and  the  com- 
mencement oration  was  delivered  by  the  Hon.  F.  G. 
DuBignon  of  Georgia. 

Mr.  R.  M.  Huse,  head  master  of  the  grammar  school, 
resigned  in  June,  1895,  and  his  place  was  filled  for  the 
remainder  of  the  term  by  Mr.  W.  H.  McKellar,  a  former 
assistant  in  the  school.  The  dormitory  occupied  by  the 
grammar  school  was  fitted  up  with  steam  heating  and 
other  improvements  calculated  to  better  equip  it  for  the 
purpose  of  a  dormitory  and  boarding  department.  Mr. 
R.  M.  Colmore  was  appointed  commissary  for  that  and 
other  boarding  departments  carried  on  by  the  University. 
Prof.  Geo.  S.  Clark  resigned  his  position  as  adjunct 
professor  of  mathematics,  which  position  had  been  very 
acceptably  filled  by  him  for  the  two  previous  years. 

Mr.  Samuel  F.  Barton  was  elected  to  the  chair  of 
mathematics  vacated  by  Professor  Clark  in  August,  1895, 
and  the  board  secured  the  services  of  Mr.  Chas.  W.  Bain, 
M.  A.,  of  Virginia,  as  head  master  of  the  grammar  school. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  SIS 

The  military  department  of  the  University  had  been 
discontinued  upon  the  resignation  of  Lieutenant  Stone 
in  1891. 

Officers  of  the  United  States  army  had  been  previously 
detailed  by  the  secretary  of  war  from  time  to  time.  The 
first  officer  detailed  in  1880  was  Lieut.  R.  M.  Rogers, 
2d  Artillery.  He  was  succeeded  by  Lieut.  R.  W.  Dowdy, 
2d  lieutenant  17th  Infantry,  in  1883,  who  was  relieved 
in  1886  by  Lieut.  Edmund  K.  Webster,  2d  Infantry.  He 
was  followed,  in  1889,  by  Lieut.  W.  P.  Stone,  2d  Artillery, 
an  alumnus  of  the  University.  The  military  department 
had  attained  considerable  importance  in  1888,  when  there 
were  three  companies  of  infantry  and  one  of  artillery, 
but  it  gradually  became  of  less  interest,  compulsory  drill 
was  abolished  as  to  all  except  juniors  and  grammar  school 
students;  many  of  the  juniors  in  turn  sought  exemption, 
and  it  was  found  inexpedient  to  ask  for  the  detail  of 
another  officer  of  the  army.  When  the  grammar  school 
was  separated  and  domiciled  in  their  own  dormitory,  the 
military  feature  was  reestablished  under  Mr.  Hardee 
Chambliss,  a  grandson  of  Lieutenant  General  Hardee  of 
the  Confederate  army,  and  a  graduate  of  the  Virginia 
Military  Institute.  This  became  an  established  feature  in 
connection  with  the  grammar  school.  It  was  rather  an 
anomaly  when  attached  to  the  University,  but  during  the 
ten  years  of  its  existence  here  it  was  very  beneficial  in 
many  respects,  depending  largely,  however,  upon  the 
personality  of  the  officer  in  charge.  As  athletics  became 
more  popular,  the  interest  in  military  exercises  became 
less  so,  and  for  the  older  students  a  burden.  In  the 
grammar  school  it  is  proper  and  desirable,  contributing 


316  HISTORY    OF    THE 

in  many  ways  to  the  physical  education,  and  helping  to 
form  a  manly  and  gentlemanly  bearing,  besides  enforcing 
the  habit  of  prompt  obedience  and  personal  neatness  in 
dress. 

Mr.  Chambliss  was  succeeded  in  1895  by  Mr.  W.  A. 
Peterson,  also  a  graduate  of  the  Virginia  Military  Insti- 
tute. The  gymnasium  was  provided  in  1894  with  a  compe- 
tent instructor,  and  became  an  important  feature  in  the 
growing  sentiment  in  favor  of  combining  physical  with 
mental  culture.  Mr.  J.  E.  Miles  has  done  excellent  work 
in  this  department,  which  was  made  self-supporting  by 
the  payment  of  fees. 

The  vice  chancellor,  in  his  report  to  the  board  of 
trustees  in  1895,  has  this  to  say  in  reference  to  athletics. 

"This  feature  of  University  life  has  attracted  so  much 
attention  and  has  come  to  hold  such  important  relations 
in  academic  work  that  it  requires  much  more  serious 
consideration  than  in  time  past.  Our  students  have 
manifested  much  skill  and  interest  in  athletics.  Their 
baseball  and  football  teams  have  done  creditable  work 
during  the  past  year.  I  am  glad  to  say  that  the  Athletic 
Association  has  taken  a  firm  stand  on  the  exclusion  of 
professionalism  and  unsportsmanlike  practices.  I  am 
decidedly  of  the  opinion  that  the  results  of  inter- 
collegiate athletics  are  enormously  on  the  side  of  good, 
and  the  evils  incident  are  capable  of  amelioration  by  a 
proper  system  of  restraint  and  supervision." 

The  baseball  clubs,  the  "Sewanee"  and  "Hardee,"  date 
back  to  almost  the  beginning  of  the  University.  In  their 
contests  with  other  colleges  or  universities  the  Sewanee 
men  have  had  a  large  measure  of  success.  Football  is  of 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  317 

later  establishment.  While  fairly  successful  with  an 
average  team,  for  some  time  they  were  unable  to  cope  with 
the  universities  of  Virginia  and  Georgia,  and  had 
hardly  an  even  record  with  Vanderbilt,  owing  mainly 
to  the  greater  average  weight  of  the  opposing  teams. 

During  the  session  of  the  general  convention  of  the 
church  in  Minneapolis  in  October,  1895,  a  banquet  was 
held  in  the  West  Hotel  by  the  Sewanee  men  present,  to 
which  were  invited  many  of  the  most  distinguished 
members  of  the  convention,  clerical  and  lay. 

The  speeches  were  excellent,  the  viands  good,  and  the 
result  no  doubt  very  beneficial  to  Sewanee  in  making  it 
better  known,  and  calling  attention  to  its  aims  and  needs. 

The  232  bonds,  $100  each,  of  the  city  of  Montreal  accru- 
ing to  the  University  from  the  legacy  of  James  Hill,  were 
sold  at  $175  each  and  produced  a  capital  of  $  40,000 
invested  in  securities,  giving  an  annual  income  of  $2,400, 
enlarging  the  benefits  of  said  legacy  by  allowing  an 
increase  of  scholarships. 

During  the  year  1895-96  the  University  received  a 
gift  of  $50,000  through  Bishop  Dudley  as  an  endow- 
ment of  academic  department,  to  be  designated  as  the 
''Bishop  Dudley  Endowment  Fund."  This  was  a  most 
timely  benefaction,  and  gave  great  encouragement  of 
such  endowment  being  attained  as  would  prevent  the 
annual  deficit  in  the  academic  department.  This  benefac- 
tion was  generally  supposed  to  come  from  a  liberal  layman 
of  New  York  City,  connected  with  St.  Georges  Church, 
and  well  known  for  his  many  good  deeds  and  wise 
liberality.  He  modestly  withheld  his  name,  but  doubtless 
it  was  the  gift  of  J.  P.  Morgan,  Esq. 


318  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  Rev.  J.  J.  Scott,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  of  Pensacola,  Fla., 
the  first  clerical  trustee  of  the  diocese  of  Florida,  and 
one  of  those  named  in  the  charter,  died  on  November  21st, 
1895.  In  the  minute  adopted  by  the  board  of  trustees, 
it  is  said  "his  faith  in  the  future  of  this  institution  after 
the  disasters  of  the  civil  war  never  flagged,  and  his 
interest  in  its  welfare  was  evinced  in  the  fact  that  one- 
third  of  the  students  enrolled  at  the  opening  of  the 
University  in  September,  1868  came  from  his  parish,  sent 
by  his  recommendation  and  influence." 

His  widow  donated  to  the  University  his  valuable  and 
extensive  library.  He  was  with  one  exception  the  last 
survivor  of  the  clerical  members  of  the  original  board.  He 
was  a  native  of  South  Carolina,  educated  at  William  and 
Mary  College,  ordained  deacon  by  Bishop  Moore  of 
Virginia,  and  priest  by  Bishop  Polk.  He  was  rector  of 
Christ  Church,  Pensacola,  from  1848  until  1888,  and 
rector  emeritus  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

The  enrollment  of  students  for  the  year  1895-96 
numbered  294,  of  whom  41  were  medical  students,  24 
theological  and  16  law. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  Chas. 
F.  Hoffman,  D.D.,  D.C.L.,  rector  of  All  Angels  Church, 
New  York,  and  president  of  the  Association  for  Promot- 
ing the  Interests  of  Church  Schools,  Colleges  and 
Seminaries.  He  was  accompanied  on  his  trip  to  Sewanee 
by  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Porter,  D.D.,  of  South  Carolina.  Rev. 
President  Eliphalet  Nott,  of  Hobart  College,  Rev.  Dr. 
6.  Delancey  Townsend,  associate  rector  of  All  Angela 
Church,  New  York,  his  son,  Mr.  W.  N.  Hoffman,  and 
his  daughter,  Mrs.  Olcott. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  310 

The  commencement  oration  was  delivered  by  Hon. 
A.  E.  Richards  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  State  of  Kentucky,  and  sustained  the  high 
reputation  of  the  gifted  orator. 

The  hebdomadal  board  recommended  very  strongly  the 
erection  of  a  dormitory  for  the  students  in  the  junior 
department.  This  was  a  departure  from  the  original 
plan  of  the  board  which  contemplated,  as  shown  by  the 
Statute  19,  that  all  students  should  be  required  to  board 
in  such  houses  as  should  be  provided  or  licensed  for  that 
purpose,  and  the  number  in  any  one  house  not  to  exceed 
sixteen.  The  idea  was  to  avoid  what  was  called  the 
barrack  system,  and  to  throw  around  students  the 
amenities  and  safeguards  of  a  home  life  instead  of  the 
carelessness  and  individualism  and  irresponsibility  of  a 
commons,  without  the  refinements  and  associations  of 
a  family  circle.  As  Bishop  Cobbs  expressed  it  "that  no 
student  should  sit  down  at  a  table  unless  there  was  a 
lady  at  the  head  of  it."  It  was  found,  however,  that 
owing  to  circumstances  which  could  not  well  be  amelio- 
rated, the  boarding  houses  attracted  visitors,  relatives 
and  friends  of  the  students  and  created  too  much  social 
life  between  the  sexes,  which  was  an  unexpected  factor 
in  the  problem.  Mutual  attraction  and  affinities  prevailed 
BO  as  to  distract  the  student  from  studying  in  his  room 
and  elsewhere,  and  that  the  only  apparent  remedy  was- 
a  dormitory  where  students  would  have  each  a  bedroom 
and  a  common  sitting  room  for  two  only,  in  a  quiet 
detached  building,  under  the  supervision  of  masters  and 
teachers. 


320  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  boarding  house  idea  would,  no  doubt,  be  preferable 
if  it  could  be  carried  out  according  to  the  intentions  and 
expectations  of  those  who  framed  the  Statute.  But  to 
do  this  the  University  should  be  able  to  provide  and 
own  suitably  arranged  boarding  houses,  built  for  the 
purpose  and  with  the  rooms  arranged  as  proposed  in  a 
dormitory  and  receiving  no  other  inmates. 

The  board,  in  1896,  authorized  a  committee,  if  funds 
were  given  for  that  purpose,  to  erect  dormitories  or  halls 
of  residence  for  students.  Among  the  propositions 
brought  forward  before  the  board  in  1896  was  one 
authorizing  the  conferring  of  honorary  degrees  upon 
women  non-residents,  who  had  graduated  at  reputable 
colleges  and  who  were  prepared  to  pass  the  requisite 
examinations  of  the  University.  The  committee  on  con- 
stitution and  statutes  reported  in  favor  of  such  action, 
and  that  the  hebdomadal  board  should  suggest  such 
regulations  as  might  be  necessary  to  carry  the  proposition 
into  effect,  and  report  upon  the  same  in  the  following 
year.  The  board  took  no  other  action  than  to  refer  the 
matter  to  the  executive  committee,  which,  up  to  this  date, 
has  never  reported  on  the  subject. 

A  proposition  was  brought  before  the  board  for  a 
change  of  vacation  so  as  to  have  the  sessions  correspond 
with  other  institutions  having  their  long  vacation  in 
the  summer.  This  being  a  very  radical  change  from  the 
plans  upon  which  the  University  was  organized  (that  of 
having  the  long  vacation  in  the  winter  to  suit  the  require- 
ments of  the  Southern  dioceses),  it  was  referred  to  the 
committee  on  constitution  and  statutes.  The  committee, 
deeming  the  matter  of  great  importance,  made  a  some- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  321 

what  elaborate  report  upon  the  subject,  intending  to  set 
forth  the  reasons  why  this  uniform  plan  of  winter  instead 
of  summer  vacation  was  adopted,  and  which  the  writer 
thinks  it  well  to  here  preserve  to  meet  the  question  often 
raised  as  to  this  peculiar  arrangement  of  sessions  in  the 
University  of  the  South. 

The  committee  on  constitution  and  statutes  presented 
their  report  on  the  question  of  changing  the  long  vacation 
from  winter  to  summer,  and  the  appended  was  adopted. 

REPORT  OP  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  CONSTITUTION  AND  STATUTES. 

(Report  Number  5.) 

The  committee  on  constitution  and  statutes,  to  whom 
was  referred  a  resolution  that  the  committee  inquire  into 
and  report  upon  the  advisability  of  changing  the  long 
vacation  of  the  University  from  winter  to  summer,  in 
conformity  with  the  custom  of  all  other  American 
universities  and  colleges,  and  arranging  our  school  dates 
accordingly,  report : 

That  they  have  given  to  the  subject  of  the  resolution 
the  careful  consideration  which  its  importance  merits, 
proposing,  as  it  does,  to  make  a  very  radical  change  in 
the  system  upon  which  the  University  has  been  carried 
on  from  its  earliest  inception.  The  committee  has 
examined  the  early  records  of  the  institution  with  a  view 
of  ascertaining  the  reasons  which  induced  the  founders 
of  the  University  to  adopt  the  present  divisions  of  the 
school  year,  differing  as  they  do  from  those  which  have 
been  usual  in  other  institutions.  While  it  is  true  that 
there  is  no  part  of  the  constitution  or  statutes  which 
prescribes  the  division  of  terms,  so  arranged  as  to  provide 


322  HISTORY    OF    THE 

for  a  winter  vacation  instead  of  the  usual  long  vacation 
in  the  summer,  yet  they  find  the  purpose  of  the  founders 
in  this  respect  most  fully  and  clearly  set  forth  by  the 
board  of  trustees  as  early  as  1858,  and  put  in  operation 
by  resolution  of  the  board  in  1867,  upon  the  opening  of 
the  University  in  1868. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  board  after  the  acceptance 
of  the  charter  in  1858  a  committee  was  appointed  by  the 
board  of  trustees  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  Southern 
dioceses,  setting  forth  at  large  the  reasons  which  have 
actuated  the  board  of  trustees  in  selecting  Sewanee  as 
the  site  of  the  University  of  the  South,  and  describing  its 
superior  advantages.  There  was  appointed  on  this  com- 
mittee Bishop  Polk,  Bishop  Elliott,  the  Rev.  Alexander 
Gregg,  Mr.  J.  A.  Calhoun,  and  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks.  This 
committee  prepared  and  published  the  "Address  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  University  of  the  South  to  the 
Southern  Dioceses  in  Reference  to  the  Choice  of  the  Site 
for  the  University."  Of  this  address  many  thousand 
copies  were  circulated  through  all  the  Southern  dioceses. 

After  referring  to  the  requirement  that  the  University 
should  be  centrally  situated,  and  the  very  careful  pre- 
liminary steps  taken  to  secure  a  location,  and  the  final 
unanimity  in  the  selection  of  Sewanee  as  affording  a 
central  position  and  offering  undoubted  healthfulness, 
upon  a  soil  furnishing  abundant  supplies  of  freestone 
water,  affording  easy  communication  with  all  parts  of  the 
confederation,  surrounded  by  a  farming  country  provid- 
ing the  necessaries  of  life  in  any  quantity  at  moderate 
expense,  they  say,  "There  was  yet  another  point  to  be 
considered,  connected  with  the  social  life  of  the  South, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  323 

which  demanded  attention  in  the  settlement  of  this  ques- 
tion. Our  citizens  have  for  the  most  part  made  the 
summer  months  their  period  of  traveling,  either  for 
pleasure  or  business.  During  these  hot  months  their 
plantations,  and  even  their  city  homes,  are  deserted,  and 
they  are  scattered  all  the  world  over,  from  our  own  local 
springs  to  Saratoga,  Newport,  Paris,  Rome,  and  Naples. 
At  this  season  it  is  inconvenient  to  have  their  sons 
returned  upon  their  hands.  They  do  not  wish  to  introduce 
them  at  that  immature  period  of  life  to  the  dissipated 
society  of  watering  places,  and  when  they  return  during 
vacations  from  college  they  desire  to  have  them  at  home. 
For  the  South  the  proper  vacation  of  an  university  is  the 
winter;  that  season  when  our  planters  and  merchants 
and  professional  men  are  surrounded  by  their  families 
upon  their  homesteads;  when  the  cheerful  Christmas  fire 
is  burning  on  the  hearth,  and  mothers  and  sisters,  and 
servants,  can  receive  the  returning  student  to  his  home 
and  revive  within  him  that  holy  domestic  feeling  which 
may  have  decayed  amid  the  scholastic  isolations  of  a 
college ;  when  he  can  engage  in  the  sports  which  make  him 
a  true  Southern  man,  hunting,  shooting,  riding.  .  .  . 
That  a  literary  institution  may  give  the  student  these 
precious  months  it  must  be  placed  where  the  climate  will 
permit  him  to  apply  himself  during  the  hot  monthsi  of 
summer,  where  intellectual  labor  will  not  be  a  burden, 
where  cool  nights  and  mornings  will  restore  the  energies 
which  have  flagged  under  close  application.  This  condi- 
tion of  things  could  only  be  secured  upon  some  lofty 
tableland,  which  should  protrude  itself  into  the  center 
of  the  cotton  growing  region,  and  be  happily  surrounded 


324  HISTORY    OF    THE 

by  all  the  other  requirements  of  a  large  institution.  All 
these  things  are  combined  in  the  location  which  the  board 
has  chosen  at  Sewanee.  .  .  .  Whatever  may  be  the  severity 
of  the  winter  climate,  it  need  not  be  encountered  by  the 
students.  It  is  well  known  that  October  and  November 
are  two  of  the  most  delicious  months  upon  these  plateaus, 
and  our  vacation  can  be  so  arranged  as  to  dismiss  the 
University  about  the  middle  of  December,  and,  allowing 
the  usual  period  of  vacation,  work  would  not  be  resumed 
until  the  middle  of  March.  This  throws  out  the  only  three 
months  which  might  be  too  severe,  and  returns  the  young 
men  to  their  homes,  as  we  said  before,  during  the  season 
in  which  their  parents  will  be  most  glad  to  see  them,  and 
when  they  will  keep  up  the  habits  of  life  which  are  to  be 
theirs  in  the  future." 

These  extracts  indicate  in  the  fullest  and  most  exact  man- 
ner that  this  question  was  well  considered  by  the  founders 
of  the  University,  and  that  one  of  the  principal  reasons 
for  the  selection  of  Sewanee  was  to  carry  out  their  idea 
of  adapting  the  institution,  by  means  of  a  winter  vacation, 
to  the  needs  and  requirements  of  the  Southern  States, 
from  which  the  great  majority  of  the  students  were  ex- 
pected to,  and  do  actually,  come.  A  very  leading  idea 
was  expressed  in  all  their  actions  to  create  on  the  moun- 
tain plateau  an  institution  of  higher  education,  especially 
arranged  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  people  of  the 
Southern  States. 

The  committee  are  quite  aware  that  it  may  be  alleged 
that  a  greater  amount  of  hard  study  may  be  accomplished 
in  cold  weather,  and  therefore  winter  sessions  should  be 
preferred,  but  it  is  to  be  recollected  that  under  our  pres- 


B.  L.  WIGGINS,  L.  L.  D. 

Fifth  Vice  Chancellor 


llrt- 

Jr  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  J25 

ent  system  we  have  September,  October,  November,  and 
two-thirds  of  December,  half  of  March,  all  of  April,  May 
and  June,  all  of  which  are  temperate  months,  and  the  ac- 
tual time  included  in  the  hot  season  is  comparatively 
short  and  frequently  cool ;  that  under  our  present  system 
health,  which  is  of  so  great  importance,  is  manifestly 
better  secured  by  the  presence  of  the  students  on  the 
mountain  during  the  warm  months  than  if  they  returned 
to  their  homes  in  the  Gulf  States  at  a  season  least  healthy 
there;  that  exemption  from  pneumonia  and  pleurisy,  and 
diseases  of  the  lungs,  is  secured,  and  experience  has  proved 
the  general  health  of  the  student  is  in  every  way  bene- 
fited. 

Sewanee  was  selected  in  conformity  to  the  view 
expressed,  "That  for  the  South  the  proper  vacation  for 
an  university  is  in  the  winter."  A  change  of  the  plan 
and  purpose  of  the  founders  of  the  University,  so  clearly 
expressed  and  insisted  upon,  the  committee  deem  should 
not  be  made  without  the  strongest  and  most  overpowering 
reasons. 

The  conditions  which  caused  the  board  of  trustees 
originally  to  adopt  the  present  system  still  exist  to  the 
same  extent  and  degree  as  then,  and  we  believe  this 
feature  secures  to  us  from  the  Gulf  States  students  who 
would  not  otherwise  be  sent  here. 

The  committee  believe  that  the  present  arrangement 
should  not  be  changed;  that  we  are  not  prepared  to  risk 
the  consequences  of  overturning  the  well-considered  plans 
of  the  founders,  under  which  we  have  operated  now  nearly 
thirty  years. 


326  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  committee  is  further  of  the  opinion  that  it  will  be 
inexpedient  to  even  consider  the  proposed  change  until 
the  University  is  in  a  financial  condition  to  incur  the 
great  risk  involved  in  such  a  change. 

The  committee,  in  accordance  with  the  views  above 
expressed,  report  the  following  resolution,  and  recom- 
mend its  passage : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  not  advisable  to  change  the  long 
vacation  of  the  University  from  winter  to  summer. 

ALFRED  A.  WATSON, 
W.  T.  DICKINSON  DALZELL, 
D.  D.  CHAPIN, 
Z.  D.  HARRISON, 
G.  E.  FAIRBANKS, 

Committee. 

They  therefore  reported  by  resolution  "that  it  is  not 
advisable  to  change  the  long  vacation  of  the  University 
from  winter  to  summer."  The  resolution  was  adopted  by 
the  board,  and  may  be  considered  as  settling  the  question. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  327 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Financial  condition  1895-96 — Increase  of  students — Plan  of 
endowment  proposed  by  Rev.  Dr.  Murdock — Death  of  Rev. 
Dr.  F.  A.  Shoup — Organization  of  faculty  of  arts  and 
sciences — Prize  scholarship  awarded  to  students  of  University 
by  Society  for  Promoting  the  Interests  of  Church  Schools, 
Colleges  and  Seminaries — Adverse  action  on  the  proposition 
to  change  of  winter  to  summer  vacation — Academic  degrees 
for  women  considered. 

1895-1896. 

AT  THE  meeting  of  the  board  in  1896  about  the  usual 
number  of  trustees  were  present. 

An  important  change  in  the  rules  of  order  was  made 
dispensing  with  the  committee  on  organization,  which 
had  been  a  kind  of  omnibus  committee  for  many  years, 
and  replacing  it  by  separate  committees'  charged  with 
the  consideration  of  the  several  subjects  and  depart- 
ments. To  these  committees  was  added  a  rule  that  all 
nominations  made  by  them  to  office  should  be  first  re- 
ferred to  the  executive  committee,  who  were  to  present 
their  recommendation  to  the  board.  This  was  an  addi- 
tional safeguard  against  hasty  action. 

The  financial  condition,  as  shown  by  the  report  of  the 
finance  committee,  was  a  very  serious  one;  especially  as  a 
judgment  of  about  $4,500  had  unexpectedly  been  obtained, 
sustaining  a  subcontractor's  lien  upon  the  Walsh 
Memorial  Hall.  This  lien  was  properly  payable  by  the 
bondsmen  of  the  contractors,  who  had  been  paid  the 


328  HISTORY    OF    THE 

full  amount  of  their  contract.  There  were  also  other 
pressing  liabilities  to  be  provided  for.  The  finance  com- 
mittee reported  in  favor  of  the  issue  of  bonds  of  the 
University,  not  to  exceed  the  sum  of  f  75,000 ;  the  proceeds 
to  be  applied  in  the  first  instance  to  paying  off  the 
f  33,000  of  outstanding  bonds,  and  the  balance  to  be  used 
in  liquidating  the  indebtedness  not  funded — the  consent 
of  the  holders  of  existing  bonds  to  be  obtained.  The 
proposition  elicited  much  discussion  in  the  board,  mainly 
turning  on  the  power  proposed  to  be  given  to  the  endow- 
ment committee  to  invest  moneys  under  their  control 
in  the  bonds  of  the  University.  On  the  one  hand  it  was 
contended  that  it  was  perfectly  legitimate  to  do  so,  and 
that  the  solemn  pledge  of  the  University,  secured  by 
mortgage  lien,  was  equivalent  to  any  similar  security 
taken  from  other  parties,  and  that  the  necessity  of  meet- 
ing pressing  liabilities  was  clearly  shown,  and  no  other 
means  for  providing  for  them  was  suggested.  The  op- 
ponents looked  upon  such  an  investment  in  our  own 
bonds,  a  wrong  disposition  of  trust  funds,  but  suggested 
no  alternative.  The  board,  by  a  considerable  majority, 
sustained  the  proposal  to  issue  bonds,  and  the  investing 
of  funds  as  void  under  the  control  of  the  endowment  com- 
mittee. 

The  enrollment  for  1896-97  showed  a  decided  increase  in 
the  number  of  students.  One  hundred  and  thirty-three 
new  students  matriculated  in  Lent  and  Trinity  terms,  of 
whom  76  were  medical,  26  theological,  and  14  law  students. 
The  increase  in  the  medical  department  gave  great 
encouragement  to  the  development  and  growth  of 
that  department  in  the  future.  The  financial  condition 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  329 

of  the  University  greatly  improved,  and  the  deficit 
was  diminished.  This  was  owing  to  several  concurrent 
causes — the  increase  of  students,  the  income  from 
endowment  funds,  and  profits  from  the  boarding  depart- 
ments carried  on  by  the  University  in  the  grammar 
school,  etc.,  and  profits  from  the  supply  department. 
The  judgment  against  the  Walsh  Memorial  Hall,  for 
subcontractor's  lien,  was  paid  off  by  the  generous  gift 
of  $5,000  from  Mr.  George  W.  Quintard,  of  New  York  City. 

At  the  annual  oratorical  interstate  contest,  held  at 
Austin,  Texas,  in  1897,  Mr.  John  Tanner,  a  Sewanee 
student,  was  the  successful  contestant  among  represen- 
tatives of  the  University  of  Virginia,  Washington  and 
Lee,  Center  College,  Kentucky,  Vanderbilt,  South  Caro- 
lina, Tulane  and  University  of  Texas. 

A  still  more  gratifying  testimonial  to  the  scholarship 
of  Sewanee  was  shown  in  the  contest  for  three  scholar- 
ships of  the  value  of  f  300  each,  of  students  in  the  junior 
year  in  church  colleges,  offered  by  the  Association  for 
Promoting  the  Interests  of  Church  Schools  and  Seminaries, 
viz. :  Trinity,  Hobart,  St.  Stephens  and  Kenyon.  The  con- 
test was  arranged  by  a  committee  of  examiners — Prof. 
Morgan,  of  Harvard,  in  Greek ;  Prof.  Baldwin,  of  Yale,  in 
English;  Prof.  Peck,  of  Columbia,  in  Latin;  Prof. 
Brooks,  of  Princeton,  in  mathematics  and  physics.  They 
were  instructed  to  set  such  examinations  as  they  would 
for  students  in  their  several  colleges,  completing  the 
junior  year.  All  three  of  the  prize  scholarships  were  won 
by  Sewanee — Geo.  C.  Edwards,  of  Dallas,  Texas;  W.  P. 
Woolf,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  J.  F.  Matthews,  of  Alabama. 
Edwards  received  a  rating  of  90  per  cent  in  English,  85 


330  HISTORY    OF    THE 

per  cent  in  Latin,  and  80  per  cent  in  Greek.  Sewanee's 
average  exceeded  any  other  college  by  25. 

The  obtaining  of  these  prizes  was  considered  a  high 
testimonial  to  the  scholarship  of  Sewanee,  and  a  practi- 
cal proof  of  the  thoroughness  and  ability  of  her  pro- 
fessors. 

The  plan  before  referred  to,  for  issuing  bonds  to  an 
increased  amount,  failed,  in  consequence  of  the  holders  of 
the  outstanding  bonds,  declining  to  receive  new  bonds  of  a 
larger  issue  in  substitution  of  those  they  held.  Fortu- 
nately, by  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Quintard,  of  New  York, 
the  judgment  against  the  Walsh  Memorial  Hall  had  been 
satisfied,  and  one  of  the  principal  causes  of  anxiety  was 
removed.  Other  indebtedness  was  provided  for  in  a 
different  way. 

The  board  had  adopted,  in  1875,  a  resolution  that  no 
salaried  officer  of  the  University  should  have  a  seat  in 
the  board,  and  in  1892  passed  a  statute,  number  29 :  "That 
no  officer  receiving  a  salary  from  the  University,  should 
be  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the  board  of  trustees." 

This  exclusion  was  so  contrary  to  the  practice  of  all 
business  corporations  that  its  inconvenience  and  inju- 
diciousness  was  recognized,  and,  in  1896,  was  repealed. 
The  president  and  vice-president  of  corporations  are 
universally  appointed  directors,  and  it  is  always  consid- 
ered important  that  they  should  be  present  to  keep  the 
board  advised  of  the  operations  of  the  corporation.  In 
the  British  Parliament  the  members  of  the  government 
hold  seats,  and  are  ready  and  expected  to  be  called  upon 
at  any  time  for  account  of  their  official  business. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  331 

At  the  same  session  a  resolution  was  passed  that  the 
vice  chancellor  be  ex  officio  entitled  to  a  seat  in  the 
board,  with  the  privilege  of  debate  as  an  honorary  mem- 
ber. This  avoided  much  unnecessary  delay  in  communi- 
cating with  him,  and  facilitated  very  greatly  the  work  of 
the  board. 

A  plan  of  endowment  was  presented  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Murdock,  of  North  Carolina,  which  proposed  procuring 
classes  of  subscribers,  ranging  in  amount  from  $100  each 
to  $100,000,  to  aggregate  in  all  $1,000,000. 

The  plan  was  approved,  and  was  virtually  as  follows : 
1,777  subscribers  to  be  obtained,  of  whom  1,000  to  be 
admitted  on  a  subscription  of  $100  each,  400  on  $250  each, 
200  on  $500  each,  100  on  $1,000  each,  40  on  $2,500  each, 
20  on  $5,000  each,  10  on  $10,000  each,  4  on  $25,000  each, 
2  on  $50,000  each  and  one  on  $100,000. 

The  plan,  or  something  similar,  may  at  some  future 
time  be  carried  out  in  whole  or  in  part ;  it  emanated  from 
a  very  practical  business  man,  and  one  by  no  means  vis- 
ionary. When  the  church  becomes  more  thoroughly  inter- 
ested in  the  great  educational  work  inaugurated  at  Se- 
wanee  some  earnest  enthusiastic  worker  may  carry  out 
some  endowment  plan  which  will  place  the  University 
in  the  position  it  ought  to  hold  in  the  church  and 
country. 

The  health  of  Kev.  Prof.  Shoup  rapidly  failed,  and  he 
passed  away  on  the  4th  of  September,  1896.  He  was  born 
in  Franklin  County,  Indiana,  March  22,  1834,  and  was 
at  the  time  of  his  death  in  his  sixty-third  year.  The 
funeral  services  were  held  at  Sewanee,  in  St.  Augustines 
Chapel,  September  5th,  and  a  special  memorial  service 


332  HISTORY    OF    THE 

was  held  on  Sunday,  September  6th,  with  addresses  by 
Bishops  Quintard  and  Gailor  and  Rev.  Mr.  Guerry.  The 
vice  chancellor,  in  his  annual  report  in  1897,  says  of 
him:  "His  body  rests  at  Sewanee,  a  place  to  which  he 
gave  so  many  years  of  devotion  and  distinguished  ability. 
The  high  and  affectionate  tributes  paid  to  his  memory 
by  his  comrades,  colleagues  and  students  at  the  time  of 
his  death,  revealed  the  greatness  of  the  loss  sustained  by 
the  University.  When  Dr.  Shoup  died  a  strong  personal- 
ity was  removed  from  the  life  of  the  University,  to  be 
incorporated  with  the  undying  names  that  make  up  the 
tradition,  the  inspiration  and  the  devotion  that  belong  to 
Sewanee." 

Dr.  Shoup  was  the  author  of  several  publications: 
"Infantry  Tactics/'  Little  Rock,  1862;  "Artillery  Drill," 
Atlanta,  1864;  "Elements  of  Algebra,"  New  York,  1874; 
"Mechanism  and  Personality,"  Boston,  1888. 

The  organization  of  the  faculty  of  arts  and  sciences, 
during  the  year  1896-97,  was  a  step  in  advance  in  carrying 
on  the  work  of  the  several  departments  of  the  University. 
Each  department  having  its  own  dean  greatly  simplified 
the  work  of  the  hebdomadal  board  and  the  vice  chan- 
cellor. 

For  many  years  the  salaries  of  the  professors  in  the 
theological  department  had  not  been  guaranteed  by  the 
board  of  trustees,  but  were  expected  to  be  provided  for 
by  a  voluntary  allotment  among  the  several  dioceses. 
This  provision,  being  uncertain  in  its  character,  had 
worked  hardships  upon  the  professors  in  that  depart- 
ment, and  had  led  to  deficiencies  accumulating  to  a  con- 
siderable extent.  In  1896  the  board,  by  resolution, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  333 

pledged  to  the  theological  department  any  deficit  in 
the  salary  list  which  may  occur,  and  that  the  vice  chan- 
cellor and  treasurer  be  instructed  to  carry  the  resolution 
into  effect  in  such  manner  as  will  secure  to  the  pro- 
fessors in  the  theological  department  the  regular  and 
prompt  payment  of  their  salaries,  including  any  deficien- 
cies which  may  have  occurred  within  three  years.  At  the 
same  meeting  the  subject  of  conferring  academic  degrees 
on  women  was  brought  up  by  a  resolution,  that  the  com- 
mittee on  constitution  and  statutes  report  what  changes 
in  the  statutes  are  necessary  to  be  made  in  order  that 
the  University  may  grant  academic  degrees  to  women 
nonresidents  who  have  graduated  at  reputable  institu- 
tions, and  also  shall  be  prepared  to  have  the  requisite  ex- 
aminations of  the  University,  and  that  the  committee  re- 
port whether  or  not  in  its  judgment  such  changes  are 
expedient  to  be  made. 

The  committee  reported  that  in  view  of  the  committee 
such  action  is  desirable,  and  reported  an  amendment  to 
Statute  IX,  Sec.  8,  by  the  addition  of  a  clause  which 
should  read  as  follows:  "Diplomas  and  degrees  (other 
than  in  theology)  may  be  conferred  upon  women  non- 
residents who  shall  have  passed  the  statutory  examina- 
tions and  met  such  other  requisitions  as  may,  by  the 
statutes,  be  provided  for  the  conferring  of  diplomas  and 
degrees." 

The  report  was  sustained  by  the  board;  17  ayes  to  9 
nays,  but  subsequently  reconsidered,  sundry  amendments 
offered,  and  finally  referred  to  the  executive  committee, 
which  has  never  as  yet  taken  formal  action  on  the  subject. 


334  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Conditions  in  1897  improving — A  larger  enrollment  of  students — 
Growth  of  the  medical  department— Regulation  of  athletics — 
Laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  Hoffman  Memorial  Hall  and  its 
completion. 

1897-1898. 

t 

THE  vice  chancellor  was  enabled  in  his  annual  report 
to  the  board,  in  August,  1897,  to  say  that  the  University 
as  a  whole  had,  during  the  past  year,  made  considerable 
progress  in  the  literary  activity  of  its  professors  and 
in  its  reputation  for  scholarships.  That  the  number  of 
students  had  increased  and  their  general  tone  and  dis- 
cipline showed  improvement.  Three  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  students  were  enrolled  during  the  year  1896-97,  of 
whom  133  had  matriculated  during  that  year.  A  very 
marked  increase  had  taken  place  in  the  number  of  stu- 
dents in  the  medical  department,  and  also  the  theological 
department.  The  grammar  school,  under  its  existing 
administration,  was  also  reported  upon  very  favorably 
as  to  its  growth  and  discipline.  The  financial  exhibit  of 
the  grammar  school  was  also  very  favorable,  showing 
surplus  earnings  to  a  considerable  amount  on  account  of 
both  board  and  tuition. 

The  regulation  of  athletic  sports  and  other  athletic 
interests  had  become  a  matter  of  essential  importance 
to  the  governing  body.  The  admission  of  athletic  train- 
ing as  a  necessary  feature  in  our  colleges  and  universities 
had  been  here  and  elsewhere  recognized. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  335 

A  tendency,  however,  was  everywhere  shown  to  an 
undue  absorption  of  the  interests  of  students  in  these 
athletic  games,  to  the  detriment  of  scholarship.  This 
was  felt  to  be  a  growing  evil,  and  to  counteract  it  as  far 
as  possible  the  hebdomadal  board  in  August,  1896,  passed 
the  following  resolution : 

"Resolved,  That  it  be  required  of  all  students  of  the 
University  who  play  on  teams  representing  the  Univer- 
sity, in  baseball,  football,  tennis  or  track  athletics,  or 
other  form  of  athletic  sports,  that  they  shall  have  main- 
tained an  average  of  two  in  their  studies  up  to  the  time 
of  any  game  in  which  they  may  participate;  and  if  they 
be  students  matriculated  in  former  terms,  that  they  shall 
have  maintained  an  average  of  two  on  their  examinations 
of  the  term  preceding  their  membership  of  said  team, 
and  that,  furthermore,  such  students  shall  not  be  eligible 
to  serve  on  said  team  unless  their  conduct  is  thoroughly 
satisfactory  to  the  deans  of  their  respective  depart- 
ments." 

This  judicious  regulation  has  produced  its  desired 
effect,  and  has  helped  to  establish  a  correlation  between 
brain  and  muscle,  and  was  approved  by  the  students 
body.  It  seems  to  be  an  admirable  provision  for  making 
scholarship  an  important  precursor  of  athletic  sports, 
preventing  the  absorption  and  overshadowing  of  the  intel- 
lectual training  by  mere  athletic  accomplishments,  keep- 
ing up  the  mens  sana  in  corpore  sano. 

Rev.  Dr.  Charles  F.  Hoffman,  of  New  York,  having  been 
invited  to  preach  the  baccalaureate  sermon,  came  to  Se- 
wanee  at  the  commencement  in  1896,  and  before  leaving 
expressed  to  vice  chancellor  Wiggins  his  desire  to  do 


336  HISTORY    OF    THE 

something  for  the  University.  Prof.  Wiggins,  in  response 
to  his  request  as  to  what  direction  such  assistance  could 
be  best  given,  intimated  the  need  of  a  dormitory  for 
junior  students.  Dr.  Hoffman  said  if  the  presidential 
election  did  not  result  unfortunately  for  the  country  he 
would  build  such  a  dormitory.  After  the  election  he 
renewed  his  proposition,  but  in  order  that  the  Associa- 
tion for  the  Promotion  of  the  Interests  of  Church  Schools, 
Colleges  and  Seminaries,  of  which  he  was  president,  might 
be  united  with  the  University  in  a  common  interest, 
he  thought  it  advisable  to  donate  $30,000  through  the 
Association,  and  have  the  Association  loan  the  amount  in 
perpetuity  to  the  University  at  the  rate  of  one-half  per 
cent.  Later  on  he  expressed  his  desire  to  donate  to  the 
University  the  Hoffman  House  at  Bridgeport,  Ala.,  for 
the  purpose  of  establishing  a  grammar  school  there.  This 
proposition  the  vice  chancellor  thought  impracticable, 
and  suggested  that  the  building  and  furniture  might  be 
sold  and  made  available  for  the  dormitory,  or  the  build- 
ing taken  down  and  the  materials  used  for  that  purpose. 
Dr.  Hoffman  at  a  later  day  suggested  that,  in  connection 
with  a  loan  in  perpetuity  of  $30,000  and  the  transfer 
of  the  Hoffman  House  property  at  Bridgeport,  the  Uni- 
versity should  pay  the  Association  f 500  per  annum  for 
establishment  of  scholarships,  which  would  be  offered  to 
all  the  church  colleges.  While  this  matter  was  under 
consideration  Dr.  Hoffman  became  very  ill,  and  went  to 
Jekyl  Island,  Georgia,  and  died  upon  reaching  there. 
He,  however,  on  his  death  bed,  requested  his  son  to  carry 
out  his  wishes  and  continue  the  negotiations  with  the 
vice  chancellor  for  this  purpose.  The  final  result  was  a 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  337 

proposition  by  the  heirs  of  Dr.  Hoffman  to  donate  thirty 
thousand  dollars  and  the  Hoffman  House  at  Bridgeport 
to  the  Association  for  Promoting  the  Interests  of  Church 
Schools,  Colleges  and  Seminaries,  on  condition  that  the 
Association  transfer  said  property  to  the  University  of  the 
South  as  the  equivalent  of  a  loan  of  $45,000  for  a  period 
of  ninety-nine  years,  upon  the  payment  of  an  annual 
interest  of  $500.  The  Association  to  require  a  security 
for  each  loan,  a  secured  mortgage  upon  the  real  estate  of 
the  University. 

This  proposition  was  reported  by  the  vice  chancellor 
to  the  board  of  trustees  at  the  time  of  their  August  meet- 
ing, 1897,  and  was  referred  by  the  board  to  the  committee 
on  constitution  and  statutes.  This  committee  reported 
a  resolution  that,  while  the  board  would  be  pleased  to 
accept  said  benefaction  as  intended  by  Dr.  Hoffman,  in 
view  of  other  charitable  gifts  from  other  benefactors, 
used  to  construct  memorial  buildings,  etc.,  it  would,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  board,  be  improper  for  the  University 
to  put  a  cloud  upon  its  title  to  said  memorial  buildings 
(by  the  execution  of  a  mortgage  for  99  years)  and  its 
entire  domain  in  order  to  now  secure  the  sum  of  $45,000 
to  build  said  Hoffman  Hall. 

The  vice  chancellor  was  requested  to  continue  his 
negotiations  with  the  heirs  of  Dr.  Hoffman,  and  endeavor 
to  obtain  said  benefaction  on  terms  which  could  be 
accepted  by  the  board,  and  to  report  to  the  executive 
committee,  which  was  invested  with  full  power  to  act  on 
behalf  of  the  board. 

During  the  ensuing  winter  the  matter  was  arranged  by 
an  acceptance  on  the  part  of  the  executive  committee 


338  HISTORY    OF    THE 

of  a  proposition  made  by  the  heirs  of  Dr.  Hoffman  to  loan 
the  University  the  sum  of  $45,000  for  the  term  of  99 
years,  at  an  annual  interest  of  $500.  The  sum  so  loaned 
to  consist  of  $30,000  in  cash  and  the  building  known  as 
the  Hoffman  House,  at  Bridgeport,  Alabama,  and  furni- 
ture therein,  estimated  at  $15,000,  for  which  loan  the 
University  should  make  and  deliver  its  note  secured  by 
a  mortgage  on  the  building  to  be  erected  with  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  loan,  and  so  much  appurtenant  land  as  the 
University  might  designate,  with  a  condition  in  said 
mortgage  that  no  transfer  should  be  made  of  said  note 
and  mortgage,  except  to  the  Association  for  Promoting 
the  Interests  of  Church  Schools,  Colleges  and  Seminaries, 
without  the  express  consent  of  the  University. 

This  was  deemed  a  satisfactory  arrangement  of  the 
matter,  and  the  necessary  papers  were  accordingly  exe- 
cuted. 

Plans  for  said  building  were  prepared  by  R.  H.  Hunt, 
Esq.,  of  New  York,  and  a  contract  made  with  the  Edge- 
field  &  Nashville  Manufacturing  Company  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the  Hoffman  Memorial  Hall,  for  the  sum  of 
$22,580,  including  the  use  of  all  the  building  material  of 
the  Hoffman  House,  at  Bridgeport,  Ala.,  which  was  taken 
down  and  the  material  brought  to  Sewanee. 

On  the  30th  day  of  July,  1898,  the  cornerstone  of  the 
Hoffman  Memorial  Hall  was  laid  by  the  chancellor, 
Right  Rev.  Thomas  Underwood  Dudley,  bishop  of  Ken- 
tucky, in  the  presence  of  the  board  of  trustees  and  a 
large  assemblage  of  people. 

Addresses  were  made  by  Rt.  Rev.  W.  M.  Brown,  D.  D., 
bishop  coadjutor,  of  Arkansas,  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  33* 

only  representative  and  survivor  of  the  original  board  of 
trustees,  Prof.  W.  P.  Trent,  dean  of  the  academic  depart- 
ment, and  Mr.  Silas  McBee,  editor  of  the  New  York 
Churchman,  an  alumnus  of  the  University. 

The  contract  required  that  the  building  be  completed 
by  the  1st  of  March,  1899,  but  owing  to  inclement 
weather  it  was  not  ready  for  occupation  until  May,  1899. 
The  dimensions  of  the  building  are  102  feet  in  length,  50 
feet  in  width  and  four  stories,  besides  the  basement. 
Built  of  Sewanee  sandstone  and  lined  with  brick,  the 
building  is  of  a  most  substantial  character,  and  most 
conveniently  arranged  for  the  occupation  of  the  students 
in  the  junior  department  of  the  University. 

The  building  of  Hoffman  Memorial  Hall  for  the  junior 
students  of  the  University  was  a  marked  departure  from 
the  original  plans  of  the  founders  of  the  University,  as  is 
evidenced  by  Ordinance  17,  relative  to  boarding  houses, 
which  contemplated  that  all  students  of  the  University 
should  board  in  small  groups,  not  exceeding  twelve,  in 
licensed  boarding  houses,  expected  to  be  carried  on  by 
private  families.  The  massing  of  students  in  dormitories, 
which  was  designated  as  the  barracks  system,  was 
regarded  with  disfavor,  and  the  family  system  was  much, 
preferred  as  conducing  to  more  domestic  and  refined  as- 
sociations, gentlemanly  deportment,  and  with  better 
opportunities  for  study.  The  plan  contemplated  the 
coming  to  the  mountain  of  families  of  refinement  and 
culture  in  moderate  circumstances  who  would  create  a 
fireside  for  students,  surround  them  with  the  amenities 
of  life,  produce  an  elevated  tone  of  speech  and  manners, 
while  the  effect  moreover  would  be  to  create  at  the  Uni- 


340  HISTORY    OF    THE 

versity  a  refined  and  desirable  society  large  in  numbers 
and  homogeneous  in  character.  Bishop  Cobb  said  em- 
phatically, when  the  matter  was  under  discussion  in  the 
board,  that  he  never  desired  to  see  the  students  assem- 
bled around  a  table  which  was  not  presided  over  by  a 
lady. 

The  idea  was  certainly  a  most  attractive  one,  and  was 
practically  carried  out  during  the  early  years  of  the  Uni- 
versity's growth  with  marked  advantages  over  the  usual 
dormitory  aggregation  of  large  numbers  gathered  at 
commons  tables,  more  intent  upon  satisfying  their  physi- 
cal wants  than  on  the  enjoyment  of  pleasant  conversa- 
tion, enlivened  and  ameliorated  by  the  presence  of 
refined  ladies;  occupying  their  rooms  something  after  a 
hotel  fashion,  feeling  no  requirement  to  observe  the 
ettiquette  of  good  society,  either  in  speech  or  manners,  are 
evident  disadvantages  compared  with  the  ideal  system  of 
small  groups  associated  with  families,  and  feeling  the 
influence  of  family  life. 

It  was  found,  however,  impracticable  to  carry  out  the 
original  plans.  As  the  number  of  students  increased 
larger  numbers  were  brought  together  in  the  boarding 
houses  than  was  advisable,  either  on  the  score  of  dis- 
cipline or  convenience,  necessitating  their  crowding 
together ;  again  summer  visitors  began  to  share  the  exist- 
ing boarding  houses  with  the  students,  to  the  detriment 
of  their  opportunities  of  study.  Grammar  school  boys 
were  scattered  through  the  houses,  to  the  detriment  of 
order  and  discipline,  and  it  became  a  necessity  to  sepa- 
rate the  grammar  school  boys  from  University  students, 
and  a  separate  dormitory  was  provided  for  them.  The 


Prof.  W.  P.  TRFNT,  L.  L.  D. 
First  Dean  of  Academ  c  Department 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  341 

same  causes  seemed  to  render  it  necessary  to  provide  a 
dormitory  for  the  juniors.  There  still  remain  the  board- 
ing houses  for  the  seniors,  law  and  medical  students,  and 
this  division  will  likely  continue,  the  grammar  school  and 
juniors  being  housed  in  special  dormitories  and  the  others 
in  boarding  houses. 

In  October,  1897,  the  University  was  honored  by  a  visit 
from  Canon  Gore,  of  Westminister  Abbey,  now  bishop  of 
Worcester,  accompanied  by  Bishop  Satterlee,  of  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.  The  learned  canon  kindly  accepted  an  invita- 
tion to  preach  in  St.  Augustines  Chapel  on  Sunday 
morning,  as  did  also  Bishop  Satterlee  in  the  evening.  The 
sermons  of  both  of  these  distinguished  preachers  were 
highly  appreciated,  and  the  thought  was  present  to  many 
minds  of  the  great  privilege  of  hearing  in  the  chapel  of 
the  youngest  of  the  universities,  on  the  same  day,  one 
who  stands  prominent  in  the  capital  of  Great  Britain, 
and  the  bishop  who  represents  the  church  in  the  capital 
of  the  United  States,  thus  bringing  the  mother  and  the 
daughter  church  into  close  connection. 


342  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

The  death  on  July  15,  1898,  of  Rt.  Rev.  Charles  Todd  Quintard, 
D.  D.,  T.  S.  DM  bishop  of  Tennessee — Prizes  awarded  hy  the 
Association  for  Promotion  of  Interests  of  Church  Schools — 
Oratorical  contests  and  athletic  games  won  by  Sewanee 
students — Increase  in  number  of  students — Resignation  of 
Prof.  Wells — Question  of  cheapening  expenses  of  students — 
Aid  given  by  scholarships. 

A.  D.  1898. 

THE  RIGHT  REVEREND  CHARLES  TODD  QUINTARD,  S.  T.  D  , 
LL.D.,  was  born  at  Stamford,  Connecticut,  December 
22,  1824,  descended  from  a  Huguenot  family  which  had 
sought  refuge  in  America.  He  had  made  choice  of  the 
medical  profession  as  the  business  of  his  life.  He  came 
South  and  was  for  a  while  in  the  State  of  Georgia, 
and  afterwards  went  to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  where  he 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Feeling  an 
imperative  call  to  the  priesthood  of  the  church,  he  was, 
after  due  preparation,  ordained  deacon  by  Bishop  Otey, 
in  1854,  and  priest  in  1855.  He  was  for  some  time  in 
charge  of  Calvary  church,  Memphis,  but  in  1858  accepted 
the  rectorship  of  the  Church  of  the  Advent,  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  which  position  he  filled  until  the  breaking  out  of 
the  war,  when  he  accepted  an  election  as  chaplain  of  the 
First  Tennessee  Regiment  in  the  Confederate  service.  No 
one  could  have  more  faithfully  discharged  the  duties  of 
this  arduous  position,  in  which  he  endeared  himself  to  the 
whole  army.  He  was  elected  bishop  of  Tennessee  in  1865, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  343 

and  consecrated  to  that  office  in  Philadelphia  in  Octo- 
ber, 186?. 

He  had  assisted  at  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  the 
University  at  Sewanee  in  October,   1860.     He  had,  no 
douK,  previously  become  interested  in  the  project  of  a 
Southern  church  university,  in  which  his  diocesan  bishop, 
O~ey,  had  taken  a  prominent  part,  and  of  which  he  was 
toe  first  chancellor,  but  his  attendance  at  the  laying  of 
the  cornerstone  in  1860  was  the  first  time  he  had  come 
in  touch  with  the  enterprise,  and  the  proceedings  on  that 
occasion  must  have  greatly  excited  his  interest  in  the 
future  development  of  the  University.    From  the  day  of 
hie  consecration  he  devoted  his  heart  and  mind  to  the 
resuscitation  and  rebuilding  of  the  University.     To  his 
unceasing  labors  we  owe  the  very  existence  of  this  Uni- 
vffsity.     For  more  than  thirty  years  his  life  and  work 
w«re  intimately  connected  with  its  welfare,  and  his  un- 
fatering  faith,  generous  enthusiasm,  and  earnest  advo- 
cacy brought  to  its  aid  friends  far  and  near,  and  secured 
fcp  it  a  standing  and  influence  which  carried  it  forward 
t<  its  ultimate  success. 

The  board  of  trustees  have  well  said  of  him,  "More 

tuly  and  with  wider  view  and  prospects  than  it  was 

Britten  of  the  architect  of  St.   Pauls  Cathedral   it  is 

nscribed  upon  these  lasting  hills  and  upon  unfading 

nemories,  as  applying  to  Charles  Todd  Quintard,  bishop, 

doctor  and  educator,    'si  manumentum  requiris  circum- 

spice.'     He  has  here  upon  this    mountain    one   of    the 

grandest  memorials  which  the  South  has  ever  seen." 

When  it  was  proposed  that  St.  Lukes  Memorial  Hall 
should  bear  the  name  of  its  benefactor,  Mrs.  Manigault, 


344  HISTORY    OF    THE 

she  at  once  expressed  the  desire  that  it  should  be  asso- 
ciated with  Bishop  Quintard  in  some  appropriate  man- 
ner, and  as  one  portion  of  his  life  had  been  spent  in  the 
practice  of  the  medical  profession,  the  name  of  St. 
Luke,  the  beloved  physician,  was  given  to  the  buildiLg. 

In  the  previous  pages  of  this  history,  Bishop  Quin\ard 
has  been  a  prominent  figure  through  all  the  years  of  Us 
growth,  and  it  is  unnecessary  again  to  recount  his  woik 
and  labors  on  its  behalf.  Intimately  associated  witl 
him  from  the  planting  of  the  cross  at  Sewanee  in  1865 
to  the  day  of  his  death,  I  feel  unable  to  abridge  or 
compress  within  the  limits  of  this  work  his  irany 
labors  which  ever  excited  my  admiration,  my  res- 
pect and  my  reverence  for  his  character.  I  trust  that 
some  competent  hand  will  prepare  a  memorial  volume, 
which  will  give  a  full  and  detailed  record  of  his  life  aid 
labors,  as  a  companion  and  sequel  to  that  so  ably  dme 
in  memory  of  Bishop  Polk. 

One  point  in  his  character  I  would  like  to  emphasize, 
and  that  was  his  abiding,  unswerving,  unquenchable  fath 
in  the  University.  I  may  be  pardoned  for  here  introd\c- 
ing  an  extract  from  the  memorial  address  of  Bish<p 
Gailor,  delivered  in  the  chapel  on  July  27,  1899,  at  tfe 
request  of  the  board  of  trustees. 

"The  bishop,  with  his  three  friends,  Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  Mei 
rick,  Rev.  T.  A.  Morris  and  Maj.  G.  R.  Fairbanks,  selectee 
the  location  for  his  training  school,  and  in  the  after 
noon  erected  a  cross  on  the  site  chosen  for  the  chapel 
(being  the  spot  where  St.  Lukes  Oratory  now  stands), 
gathered  the  workmen  about  it  and  asked  the  blessing 
of  the  great  head  of  the  church  on  the  undertaking.  The 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  345 

bishop  ever  afterwards  emphasized  the  fact  that  on  this 
occasion  they  recited  the  Apostles  Creed  and  sung  the 
Gloria  in  Excelsis;  that  it  was  a  definite  act  of  faith 
and  worship,  consecrating  the  movement  as  a  work  for 
Jesus  Christ  and  his  church. 

"By  midsummer  the  bishop  and  Major  Fairbanks  had 
built  homes  for  their  families,  and  Otey  Hall  was  almost 
finished,  from  funds  provided  by  the  bishop.  This  hall 
he  afterwards  donated  to  the  University  authorities. 

"Up  to  this  time  it  appears  that  Bishop  Quintard  and 
Major  Fairbanks  were  absolutely  the  only  believers  in 
the  possibility  of  reviving  the  University,  and  that  the 
visit  to  Sewanee  and  the  setting  up  of  the  cross,  and 
the  building  of  Otey  Hall,  built  as  a  training  school  for 
theological  students,  was  one  of  those  daring  acts  of 
faith,  unauthorized  by  any  university  trustees,  but  quite 
consistent  with  the  enthusiastic  determination  which  so 
often  carried  the  bishop  triumphantly  over  difficulties." 
And  nothing  can  be  more  true  than  the  eloquent  perora- 
tion with  which  Bishop  Gailor  closed  his  memorial 
address : 

"To-day  it  is  my  high  privilege,  on  behalf  of  the  board 
of  trustees,  to  put  on  record  with  this  brief  and  imperfect 
recital  of  Bishop  Quintard's  services  to  the  University, 
their  glad  and  grateful  recognition  of  his  courage  and 
his  faith,  without  which,  humanly  speaking,  this  institu- 
tion would  never  have  revived.  Wherever  Sewanee 
shall  be  known,  there  shall  his  name  be  honored.  Wher- 
ever the  cause  of  Christian  education  shall  be  advocated, 
there  shall  his  memory  be  blessed.  And  as  the  years  in- 
crease, carrying  us  on,  we  pray,  through  happy  and  help- 


346  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ful  labor  on  this  mountain  for  Christ  and  for  this  church, 
deeper  and  deeper  shall  become  the  sense  of  that  obliga- 
tion which  we  owe  to  Bishop  Quintard;  and  more  real 
shall  grow  our  appreciation  of  him  and  of  his  work, 
until  some  day  the  men  and  women  of  this  generation, 
whose  hearts  and  minds  are  alive  to  the  blessings  of  a 
Christian  culture,  will  build  for  him  here  a  fitting  memo- 
rial, to  tell  our  children  in  the  days  to  come  the  heroic 
story  of  how  one  man  believed  and  loved  and  labored,  and, 
by  the  grace  and  power  of  God,  proved  the  victory  of 
faith." 

In  the  same  address,  Bishop  Gailor  touches  upon  an- 
other phrase  of  the  bishop's  personality,  which  I  would 
not  willingly  pass  over,  and  of  which  no  one  could  have 
a  deeper  sense  than  the  writer.  "Sewanee."  It  was  not 
merely  the  University,  it  was  the  place.  He  pervaded  it. 
He  loved  it,  and  it  responded  to  him.  Its  Sewanee  spirit 
was  his  spirit.  Its  atmosphere  was  in  a  large  measure 
his  creation.  No  stranger  came  here  that  he  did  not 
welcome.  There  was  no  sorrow  to  which  he  did  not  min- 
ister. There  was  no  suffering  that  he  did  not  try  to  cheer. 
The  faculty,  the  students,  the  people,  one  and  all,  felt  and 
understood  the  unique  charm  of  his  personality. 

In  accordance  with  his  often  expressed  wish,  his  burial 
took  place  at  Sewanee,  where  he  was  laid  in  a  plot  of  his 
own  selection,  in  the  bosom  of  the  mountain  he  had  loved 
so  well,  and  under  the  shadow  of  the  great  University  he 
had  done  so  much  to  build  up  and  perpetuate,  and  which 
may  well  be  regarded  as  his  greater  monument. 

Dr.  Armani  J.  DeRossett,  who  had  been  for  a  long 
period  a  lay  trustee  from  the  diocese  of  North  Carolina, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  347 

died  during  the  early  part  of  the  year  1898,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  ninety  years.  Dr.  DeRossett  had  been 
prominent  in  church  work  for  more  than  sixty  years,  in 
connection  with  his  own  diocese,  and  at  an  early  date 
took  an  active  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  University. 

The  Association  for  the  Promotion  of  the  Interests  of 
Church  Schools,  Colleges  and  Seminaries,  during  the 
winter  of  1896-97,  offered  three  prizes  of  $300  each,  to  the 
students  of  the  junior  year  in  the  church  colleges,  viz., 
Trinity,  Hobart,  St.  Stephens,  Kenyon  and  Sewanee.  The 
prizes  were  to  be  for  Latin,  Greek,  English,  mathematics 
and  physics.  As  the  result  of  this  competition  Sewanee 
won  all  these  prizes  of  $300  each,  which  were  won  res- 
pectively by  George  C.  Edwards,  of  Texas;  W.  P.  Woolf, 
of  Georgia,  and  James  F.  Matthews,  of  Alabama. 

In  the  annual  oratorical  contest  of  the  Southern  Ora- 
torical Association,  embracing  the  University  of  Virginia, 
Washington  and  Lee,  Center  College,  Vanderbilt  Univer- 
sity, South  Carolina  University,  Tulane  of  Louisiana, 
and  University  of  the  South,  Sewanee  was  for  the  third 
time  awarded  the  victory. 

It  was  also  to  the  credit  of  the  athletic  department 
that  Sewanee  won  all  the  games  in  the  Southern  College 
Association  during  the  season  of  1897. 

A  resolution  was  passed  appointing  a  committee  to 
report  upon  the  subject  of  university  extension,  and  to 
propose  a  plan  of  action  in  reference  to  the  same,  which 
is  still  in  abeyance. 

The  Reverend  W.  Lloyd  Bevan,  A.  B.,  M.  A.  and  Ph. 
D.,  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  metaphysics,  vacated  by 
the  death  of  Rev.  Dr.  Shoup. 


348  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  history  of  art  was  added  to  the  course  required  for 
the  degree  of  B.  A.,  and  received  much  attention  from 
Prof.  Greenough  White. 

By  resolution  of  the  board  the  plan  of  extending  the 
curriculum  of  the  medical  department  to  a  four  years 
course  was  approved,  and  the  addition  of  a  school  of 
pharmacy. 

Mr.  Charles  W.  Bain,  M.  A.,  elected  in  1895  as  head 
master  of  the  grammar  school,  resigned  that  position  in 
August,  1898,  to  take  a  professorship  in  South  Carolina 
College.  Mr.  Bain  had  very  acceptably  filled  the  position 
of  head  master.  His  resignation  was  greatly  regretted. 
The  board  not  being  prepared  to  elect  his  successor, 
authority  was  given  to  the  vice  chancellor  to  fill  the 
place,  by  whom  Mr.  W.  H.  McKellar  was  appointed  and 
filled  the  post  for  Trinity  term,  1898.  Mr.  Julius  E. 
Leigh  becoming  the  head  master  at  the  beginning  of  Lent 
term,  1899. 

Rev.  W.  T.  Dickinson  Dalzell,  D.  D.,  clerical  trustee 
from  Louisiana,  who  had  been  a  member  of  the  board  for 
sixteen  years,  died  on  February  4,  1899.  Dr.  Dalzell  was 
a  valuable  member  of  the  board,  and  his  death  was 
greatly  regretted.  He  had  the  somewhat  remarkable 
record  of  having  served  one  parish,  that  at  Shreveport, 
La.,  for  thirty  years. 

Effort  was  made  in  1897  to  establish  boarding  houses 
prepared  to  furnish  a  lower  rate  of  board  than  that 
usually  paid,  and  Tremlett  Hall  was  opened  for  medical 
students  at  the  rate  of  twelve  dollars  per  month,  but 
owing  to  the  rapid  increase  of  students  in  this  depart- 
ment, who  were  obliged  to  seek  other  boarding  places, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  349 

it  was  not  found  advisable  to  retain  Tremlett  Hall  for 
this  purpose,  and  during  the  following  winter  it  was 
put  in  thorough  repair,  well  furnished  and  opened  as 
a  small  hotel  or  inn,  but  only  continued  as  such  through 
two  seasons,  when  it  was  required  for  the  accommodation 
of  students  in  academic  department. 

Among  other  enterprises,  Vice  Chancellor  Wiggins 
established  a  supply  store,  in  1894,  in  the  building 
formerly  used  for  class  rooms  on  the  north  side  of  the 
chapel,  and  which  was  removed  to  a  point  south  of  the 
treasurer's  office.  It  proved  a  profitable  venture;  the^ 
profits  for  the  first  three  years  amounting  to  $3,173.97. 
Through  the  supply  store  the  University  purchases  all 
its  supplies  for  its  own  dormitories,  and  furnishes  all 
the  books,  stationery,  medical  supplies,  etc.,  required  at 
the  University.  The  profits  derived  from  this  source 
are  very  considerable  and  contribute  to  the  general  fund. 

A  new  seal  for  the  University  was  adopted  in  1898, 
varying  somewhat  from  the  former  seal — of  piscina  shape. 
The  words  "Seal  of  the  University  of  the  South"  around 


850  HISTORY    OF    THE 

the  border.  A  Latin  cross  in  the  center,  with  the 
initials  of  the  several  associated  dioceses  placed  in  a 
circle;  a  dove  above,  and  clasped  hands  below  the  circle. 

During  the  year  1898  greater  attention  was  given  to 
the  athletic  department.  The  gymnasium  was  equipped 
more  thoroughly,  and  made  compulsory  for  all  junior 
and  grammar  school  students,  and  proper  exercises 
prescribed  by  the  director  for  each  student.  These 
athletic  exercises  contribute  not  only  to  the  health  and 
physical  development  of  the  students,  but  furnish  a 
source  of  enjoyable  amusement  which  in  some  form  a 
student  naturally  seeks,  and  if  not  judiciously  furnished 
will  injudiciously  be  taken.  An  annual  competitive 
exhibition  in  the  field,  and  exhibition  in  Forensic  Hall 
keep  up  their  own  interest  as  well  as  that  of  others  in 
athletics.  No  more  healthy  looking  boys  and  young  men 
can  be  seen  anywhere  than  in  Sewanee. 

For  many  years  the  existence  of  the  University  was 
only  recognized  at  the  North  as  a  dimly  remembered 
fact  of  such  a  scheme  having  been  originated  before  the 
Civil  War.  A  series  of  banquets  at  each  meeting  of 
the  general  convention,  beginning  in  1892  at  Baltimore, 
and  followed  at  Minneapolis  in  1895,  and  Washington  in 
1898,  did  much  to  bring  leading  churchmen  in  attendance 
on  the  general  convention  in  touch  with  the  only  distinc- 
tively church  University  in  this  country,  and  gave  a 
wider  knowledge  of  its  importance  and  success  as  well 
as  its  needs  to  the  church  at  large. 

In  the  convention  of  1898  especial  mention  was  made 
of  the  work  of  this  University  in  the  promotion  of 
Christian  education  by  the  joint  committee  on  that 


Prof.  CAMERON  PIGGOTT,  M.  D. 
Dean  of  the  Academic  Department. 


UNIVERSITY   OF    THE    SOUTH.  351 

subject,  and  the  address  of  our  chancellor,  Bishop  Dudley, 
referring  especially  to  the  work  it  was  doing,  was  listened 
to  with  marked  attention. 

he  years  1898-99  were  important  years  in  the  history 
of  the  University.  A  new  life  seemed  to  have  been 
awakened  in  all  its  departments.  The  number  of 
stuuents  registered  for  the  scholastic  year  of  1897-98 
wa,  '16,  a  very  large  increase.  The  medical  department, 
which  began  in  1892  with  only  six  students,  numbered 
for  1897-98  241  students.  The  grammar  school  largely 
increased  in  numbers,  and  the  financial  condition  was 
greatly  improved.  Hoffman  Hall,  costing  $50,000,  had 
been  added  to  our  permanent  buildings. 

In  April,  1898,  Dr.  Cameron  Piggot,  professor  of 
chemistry,  etc.,  fell  over  the  cliff  on  the  brow  of  the 
mountain,  a  distance  of  about  sixty  feet  in  all,  and 
by  remarkably  good  fortune  escaped  fatal  results, 
although  very  severely  injured.  In  a  few  months  he 
entirely  recovered. 

In  the  academic  faculty  a  great  loss  was  experienced 
in  the  resignation  of  Prof.  B.  W.  Wells,  Ph.  D.,  who  had 
occupied  the  chair  of  modern  languages  since  1891,  and 
who  had  in  every  way  contributed  to  the  reputation  of 
the  University.  As  an  author  of  great  intellectual  force, 
as  a  contributor  to  many  of  the  current  publications  of 
the  day,  as  a  thorough  scholar  and  teacher  in  his  own 
department,  he  had  rendered  very  great  service  to  this 
institution,  and  his  withdrawal  to  assist  in  the  editorial 
management  of  the  Churchman  was  the  subject  of  very 
general  regret. 

Mr.  S.  Gary  Beckwith,  M.  A.,  who  for  several  years  had 
been  an  assistant  master  in  the  grammar  school  and 


352  HISTORY    OF    THE 

rendered  valuable  service  in  that  capacity,  resigned  in 
August,  1898,  in  order  to  take  holy  orders  in  the  diocese 
of  Virginia. 

Eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-eight  was  a  very  tri- 
umphant year  in  the  annals  of  the  University  for  the 
successes  of  its  athletic  clubs,  having  won  in  every  contest 
in  baseball  and  football. 

The  University  also  through  its  representatives  won 
the  decision  of  superiority  in  the  Inter-Collegiate  College 
debate  held  at  the  University  of  Virginia;  Messrs.  W. 
Mercer  Green  and  McVeigh  Harrison  representing  the 
University. 

In  the  report  of  the  vice  chancellor  in  1899,  attention 
was  called  to  the  fact  that  the  number  of  students  in 
the  academic  department  had  not  kept  up  with  the 
progress  made  in  other  departments.  The  hebdomadal 
board  in  their  report  attributed  this  to  two  causes,  one 
being  the  higher  price  of  board  and  tuition  than  at  the 
State  institutions,  and  the  other  the  relative  want  of 
scientific  equipment  to  meet  the  growing  demand  for  a 
scientific  education.  It  was  also  borne  in  mind  that 
these  State  institutions  furnished  free  tuition,  rendering 
it  difficult  to  compete  with  them  in  the  matter  of  expense. 

To  the  mind  of  the  writer  the  want  of  a  more  complete 
equipment  in  the  scientific  department  has  more  weight 
than  the  mere  questions  of  expense.  The  most  largely 
frequented  universities  and  colleges  in  this  country  are 
far  more  expensive  than  this  University,  and  the  matter 
of  reduction  of  tuition  must  be  met  by  endowment  and 
scholarships.  No  first-class  institution  can  be  supported 
by  its  tuition  fees;  state  appropriations  and  liberal 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  353 

endowments  have  supported  institutions  which  must  have 
otherwise  failed.  In  the  matter  of  scholarships  thia 
University  has  already  given  great  help  to  those  needing 
it.  Each  bishop  has  the  nomination  of  two  scholarships 
free  of  tuition.  The  vice  chancellor  has  the  gift  of  five, 
and  the  Hill  and  Goodwyn  scholarship  funds  provide 
for  ten  or  fifteen  more  to  the  extent  of  $200  per  annum. 
Seven  scholarships  have  been  already  provided  in  the 
theological  department,  besides  other  aid,  while  not  a 
single  professor's  chair  has  as  yet  been  endowed.  Pro- 
bably no  institution  in  the  country,  in  proportion  to  its 
means,  has  done  so  much. 

By  the  earnest  effort  of  Rev.  Prof.  Greenough  White  a 
fund  was  started  for  the  endowment  of  the  "Bishop 
Quintard  Chair  of  Dogmatic  Theology,"  which  it  is  hoped 
will  be  successful.  It  seems  strange  that  no  memorial 
of  the  kind  has  been  provided  to  commemorate  Bishop 
Polk  of  Louisiana,  or  Bishop  Otey  of  Tennessee,  or  Bishop 
Elliott  of  Georgia. 


354  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Benefactions  of  Judge  Goodwyn  and  Rev.  E.  D.  Cooper,  D.  D. — 
Establishment  of  steam  laundry  and  waterworks — Sewanee 
sandstone— Building  of  the  supply  store — Change  of  schol- 
astic year  from  two  to  three  terms — Resignation  of  Professor 
Trent — Death  of  Bishop  Wilmer  of  Alabama  and  Bishop 
Pierce  of  Arkansas — The  Quintard  Memorial  Hall — Gift  of 
Westminster  chimes  by  Rev.  W.  C.  Douglas,  D.  D. 

1899-1900. 

BY  THE  will  of  Judge  William  A.  Goodwin  of  Nashville, 
who  died  in  October,  1898,  the  sum  of  $10,000  was  given 
to  the  University,  the  income  from  which  was  to  be 
devoted  to  the  education  of  young  men  too  poor  to  pay 
for  themselves,  and  to  no  other  purpose  whatever. 

Under  the  internal  revenue  law  the  United  States 
Government  exacted  10  per  cent  of  this  amount  as  a 
legacy  tax,  and  the  State  of  Tennessee  5  per  cent  addi- 
tional, thus  taking  from  the  fund  designed  to  help  educate 
poor  young  men  the  sum  of  $1,500,  the  interest  upon 
which  would  have  paid  the  tuition  of  at  least  one  poor 
young  man.  The  10  per  cent  exacted  by  the  internal 
revenue  department  has  since  been  repaid,  but  the  tax 
exacted  by  the  State  has  not. 

It  is  difficult  to  understand  upon  what  principle  or 
right  or  justice  a  fund  devoted  to  so  praiseworthy  an 
object  should  be  grasped  by  the  federal  and  State  govern- 
ments, and  especially  by  the  State  benefited  by  s^ich 
gifts.  It  is  to  be  hoped  a  better  enlightenment  of  Con- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  355 

gress  and  of  State  Legislatures  will  do  away  with  such 
an  exaction  for  all  future  time. 

Kev.  E.  D.  Cooper,  D.  D.,  of  Astoria,  L.  L,  State  of 
New  York,  by  will,  gave  to  the  University  the  sum  of 
$5,000  and  all  of  his  theological  library.  Here,  too,  $625 
was  exacted  by  the  State  and  federal  government  from 
a  fund  devoted  to  the  education  of  young  men  in  the 
University.  Among  the  improvements  effected  during 
the  year  1899,  was  the  establishment  of  a  steam  laundry 
and  the  enlargement  of  a  small  system  of  waterworks, 
which  had  been  previously  put  in  operation,  the  supply 
for  which  came  from  the  two  springs  known  as  Polk 
Spring  and  Otey  Spring.  As  put  in  operation  in  1899  a 
water  supply  was  maintained  for  the  steam  laundry,  and 
water  was  pumped  through  a  four-inch  pipe  to  a  tank 
erected  near  St.  Lukes  Hall,  from  which  it  was  distributed 
to  the  various  University  halls  and  dormitories,  the  sup- 
ply store  and  private  families  along  University  Avenue. 
Both  of  the  enterprises  were  undertaken  by  private 
parties,  under  authority  of  the  trustees,  with  a  reserved 
right  to  the  University  to  purchase  them  whenever  de- 
sired. They  added  greatly  to  the  convenience  of  residents, 
as  well  as  the  needs  of  the  University  itself.  Naturally 
an  electric  plant  will  follow  at  an  early  date,  to  the 
better  enlightenment  of  the  dormitories,  residences  and 
streets. 

By  the  liberal  management  of  the  Nashville  and  Chat- 
tanooga railroad  authorities,  schedules  for  summer 
travel  were  established,  giving  four  passenger  trains  a 
day  upon  the  Tennessee  Coal  &  Transportation  Kail- 
road,  leading  from  Cowan  to  Tracy  City,  via  Sewanee, 


356  HISTORY    OF    THE 

thus  giving  ample  facilities  for  travel,  and  four  trains 
i;  day,  with  express  facilities,  so  that  few  places  in  the 
Slate  were  better  accommodated. 

In  addition  to  the  telegraph  service  rendered  bj  the 
Western  Union  lines  a  long  distance  telegraph  connects 
Sewanee  with  the  principal  cities  of  the  United  States. 
And  upon  one  day  in  the  week  only,  railroad  and  mail 
service  are  suspended  and  we  have  the  enjoyment  of  a 
quiet  Sunday,  undisturbed  by  the  affairs  of  the  outer 
world. 

A  small  farm  was  opened  during  the  years  1898-99,  with 
a  dairy  annex  at  Greggs  Spring,  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  north  of  the  athletic  grounds.  This  is  already  a 
valuable  source  of  supply  of  vegetables,  milk,  etc.,  for  the 
use  of  the  University  halls  and  dormitories.  It  will,  no 
doubt,  be  expanded  in  time  in  connection  with  the  school 
of  agriculture  provided  for  by  the  original  ordinances. 
The  soil  of  the  domain  is  a  sandy  loam  which  responds  to 
care,  enrichment  and  cultivation,  and  is  particularly  well 
suited  for  fruit  growing,  vineyards  and  root  crops. 

In  this  connection  it  may  also  be  stated  that  probably 
five  thousand  acres  of  the  University  domain  is  underlaid 
with  an  excellent  quality  of  semibituminous  coal,  lying 
at  from  75  to  150  feet  below  the  surface,  and  easily  mined 
by  tunnels  pushed  in  from  the  bluff.  The  present  popu- 
lation is  well  supplied  with  coal  of  this  character,  deliv- 
ered at  the  low  price  of  $2.50  per  ton.  It  has  been  thought 
best  to  reserve  our  own  deposits  for  future  use  so  long  as 
we  can  be  supplied  at  a  low  price  from  mines  outside  of 
our  domain.  The  coal  deposit  will,  no  doubt,  become  of 
great  value  to  us. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  357 

I  may  also  here  speak  of  another  valuable  property 
held  by  the  University,  in  its  sandstone  rock,  which  is 
regarded  as  a  building  material  of  the  very  best  quality. 
Its  varying  colors,  from  grey  to  pink,  its  excellent  clear- 
age,  and  its  increasing  hardness  when  exposed  to  the 
weather,  its  porous  character  when  first  quarried,  receiv- 
ing and  holding  cement  or  lime  mortar,  has  attracted  the 
attention  of  architects  elsewhere,  and  already  several 
churches  and  fine  structures  have  been  erected  in  Nash- 
ville and  Atlanta  of  our  Sewanee  sandstone,  which  has 
proved  decidedly  superior  to  any  of  the  freestones  used 
in  northern  cities.  In  addition  we  have  an  excellent 
quality  of  limestone  in  unlimited  quantities,  suitable  for 
building  and  the  manufacture  of  lime. 

The  surface  of  the  mountain  in  many  places  is  com- 
posed of  pebblestone,  which,  being  crushed,  furnishes  an 
admirable  material  for  sidewalks,  garden  walks  and 
roads.  The  clay,  where  it  lies  in  any  depth,  has  proved 
of  good  quality  for  the  manufacture  of  bricks. 

The  supply  of  water  for  Sewanee  is  furnished  by  numer- 
ous springs,  with  an  outflow  of  from  2,000  to  12,000 
gallons  a  day,  and  from  bored  and  ordinary  wells  and 
cisterns.  As  the  springs  are  supposed  to  be  supplied  from 
the  percolation  of  water  during  the  winter,  spring  and 
fall  rains  through  the  sandstone  rock,  it  is  of  supreme 
importance  that  the  forest  growth  should  be  maintained 
and  no  tree  cut  down  without  providing  for  the  growth 
of  another  in  its  place.  The  result  of  denuding  the  sur- 
face is  already  felt  at  Sewanee  Village,  where  the  trees 
have  been  largely  cut  away,  with  the  apparent  effect  of 
causing  the  wells  to  become  dry  during  the  dry  season, 


358  HISTORY    OF    THE 

while  in  other  parts  of  the  domain  the  flow  of  the  springs 
does  not  seem  to  be  greatly  affected. 

In  April,  1899,  the  Supply  store  with  all  its  contents 
was  destroyed  by  fire.  This  would  have  been  a  serious 
loss  to  the  University  but  for  the  foresight  of  Vice  Chan- 
cellor Wiggins  in  having  previously  placed  ample  insur- 
ance, which  enabled  him  to  at  once  rebuild,  replacing  the 
former  wooden  building  with  a  substantial  stone  struc- 
ture two  stories  in  height,  one-half  of  the  expense  of 
which  was  provided  by  the  E.  Q.  B.  Club,  in  consideration 
of  their  having  the  upper  story,  which  was  handsomely 
fitted  up  for  their  use.  This  club,  founded  in  1890,  for 
many  years  had  no  local  habitation,  but  met  in  private 
houses.  Then,  about  1880,  built  for  itself  a  neat  one-story 
clubhouse,  of  wood,  in  the  rear  of  the  medical  hall,  and 
now  established  itself  in  permanent  quarters  in  stone 
walls. 

The  rapid  development  of  the  medical  department,  and 
the  requirements  of  the  Association  of  the  Medical 
Colleges,  rendered  it  necessary  that  a  hospital  should  be 
provided  as  a  part  of  its  necessary  equipment.  As  the 
erection  of  a  suitable  building  for  this  purpose  would 
involve  a  considerable  expense,  by  a  happy  thought  it  was 
proposed  that  a  large  addition  should  be  made  to  the 
building  erected  by  Dr.  Tel  fair  Hodgson  as  a  library 
building,  and,  with  the  generous  concurrence  of  Mrs. 
Hodgson,  the  plan  was  carried  into  effect  and  the  Hodgson 
Memorial  Infirmary  erected  during  the  fall  and  winter 
of  1899-1900,  and  formally  opened  in  June,  1900.  Con- 
forming in  its  architecture  to  the  library  building,  it  pre- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  359 

sents  a  very  attractive  appearance,  and  adds  one  more  to 
the  handsome  structures  of  the  University. 

From  the  very  opening  of  the  University  the  need  of 
suitable  dormitories  for  the  grammar  school  had  been 
felt,  the  importance  of  an  entire  separation  of  the  gram- 
mar school  boys  from  the  students  of  the  University  had 
been  recognized,  and  only  necessity  had  permitted  this 
separation  to  be  deferred.  The  purchase  and  occupation 
of  the  University  Hotel  had  furnished  temporary  relief, 
but  the  building  was  unsuitable  in  many  respects,  its 
location  undersirable,  and  its  structure  not  as  well 
guarded  from  accident  as  prudence  required. 

At  this  juncture  George  W.  Quintard,  Esq.,  of  New 
York,  a  brother  of  the  late  bishop,  being  impressed  by  the 
statement  of  Bishop  Gailor  and  the  vice  chancellor  of 
the  important  need  of  the  grammar  school  at  the  present 
time  of  a  suitable  dormitory,  generously  offered  to  pro- 
vide the  sum  of  $50,000  for  the  erection  of  such  a  building. 
Mr.  G.  C.  Haight,  of  New  York,  an  architect  of  high 
reputation,  was  employed  to  prepare  the  plans.  A  site 
was  selected  in  Polk  Park,  and,  the  site  and  plans  having 
been  approved  by  the  executive  committee,  a  contract 
was  entered  into  with  the  Edgefield  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany, which  had  erected  Hoffman  Memorial  Hall,  for  the 
erection  and  completion  of  the  building  by  the  1st  of 
March,  1901.  The  cornerstone  was  laid  on  the  30th  of 
July,  with  appropriate  ceremonies,  addresses  being  made 
by  Bishop  Capers,  Bishop  Gailor,  Mr.  G.  R.  Fairbanks 
and  Mr.  Julius  E.  Leigh.  The  name  given  to  the  building 
is  the  Quintard  Memorial  Hall,  in  honor  and  in  memory 
of  Charles  Todd  Quintard,  second  bishop  of  Tennessee. 


360  HISTORY    OF    THE 

The  building  is  the  largest  hitherto  erected,  being  204 
feet  in  length  by  40  feet  in  width.  Like  our  other  build- 
ings, it  is  built  in  a  very  massive  style,  of  our  Sewanee 
sandstone,  is  lined  with  brick  and  covered  with  slate.  Its 
style  of  architecture  is  very  pleasing,  its  windows  divided 
with  stone  mullions,  its  proportions  are  admirable,  and 
its  location,  upon  a  gently  rising  ground  facing  University 
Avenue,  is  all  that  could  be  desired,  and  carries  out  one 
of  Bishop  Hopkins'  ideals  of  separate  buildings  crown- 
ing commanding  eminences. 

There  is,  moreover,  a  fine  significance  in  placing  the  dor- 
mitory, which  commemorates  Bishop  Quintard,  the  sec- 
ond founder  of  the  University,  standing  in  Polk  Park* 
commemorating  its  first  founder,  thus  connecting  the 
names  of  the  two  most  prominent  in  founding  and  putting 
in  operation  the  University. 

The  Quintard  Memorial  Hall  was  expected  to  be  com- 
pleted in  the  summer  of  1901,  but  it  was  found  that  an 
additional  sum  of  $15,000  would  be  necessary  to  complete 
and  furnish  the  building,  and  there  were  no  available 
funds  for  that  purpose.  Bishop  Gailor  having  stated  to 
Mr.  J.  P.  Morgan,  of  New  York,  our  needs  in  this  respect, 
he  generously  at  once  gave  the  amount  required  and 
enabled  the  building  to  be  completed  in  accordance  with 
the  plans  of  the  architect. 

Between  the  annual  sessions  of  the  board  of  trustees 
in  1899  and  1900  four  of  its  trustees  departed  from  this 
life:  Bishops  Wilmer  and  Jackson,  of  Alabama,  Bishop 
Pierce,  of  Arkansas,  and  Mr.  E.  R.  Foster,  of  Florida;  all 
men  of  mark,  and  two  of  them,  Bishops  Wilmer  and 
Pierce,  long  associated  with  the  University.  Suitable 


Prof.  I.  S.  CAIN,  M.  D. 
Dean  of  the  Medical  Department. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  361 

commemorative  notices  of  their  lives  and  virtues  were 
made  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  at 
their  session  in  August,  1900. 

Bishop  Wilmer  was  succeeded  in  the  board  by  Eev. 
Robert  Woodward  Barnwell,  who  was  consecrated  as 
bishop  of  Alabama  on  July  27,  1900,  and  died  July,  1902. 
Bishop  Pierce  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  William  Montgom- 
ery Brown,  D.  D.,  who  had  been  elected  bishop  coadjutor 
of  Arkansas  in  1898.  Bishop  Wilmer  was  at  the  time  of 
his  death  the  senior  bishop  in  the  board,  having  been 
consecrated  in  1862,  during  the  Civil  War. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon,  in  1898,  was  preached  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Lewis  Burton,  D.  D.,  of  the  diocese  of  Lexing- 
ton, Ky.,  and  the  commencement  oration  was  delivered  by 
the  Hon.  J.  W.  Caldwell,  of  Tennessee. 

In  1898,  Dr.  W.  H.  Spencer,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  founded 
the  Dwight  medal  for  philosophical  and  biblical  Greek. 
Mr.  Albert  D.  Marks,  of  Nashville,  founded  the  Marks' 
prize  for  rhetoric.  Mr.  E.  G.  Richmond,  of  Chattanooga, 
Tenn.,  provided  the  Richmond  prize  for  political  science 
and  economy. 

The  vice  chancellor  reported  the  number  of  students 
in  the  various  departments  registering  for  the  year  1898-99 
as  516,  divided  as  follows:  Academic  department,  114; 
theological  department,  21 ;  medical  department,  241 ;  law 
department,  14,  and  grammar  school  department,  126. 

In  his  report  to  the  board,  in  1899,  the  vice  chancellor 
emphasized  the  importance  of  encouraging  the  establish- 
ment of  local  schools  as  feeders  to  the  University.  One- 
such  school,  established  as  such  a  feeder  in  Texas  by  Mr. 
F.  E.  Shoup,  a  son  of  Professor  Shoup,  has  been  success- 


362  HISTORY    OF    THE 

fully  established.  It  was  contemplated  at  an  early  day 
that  such  feeders  would  in  time  be  established.  It  would 
probably  be  a  great  help  to  the  University  if  scholarships 
in  the  University  could  be  founded  in  diocesan  schools 
as  a  reward  for  high  standing,  and  thus,  as  in  England, 
bring  about  a  relation  of  that  kind  between  local  schools 
and  the  University. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  board  in  1899  a  resolution  was 
passed  requesting  the  hebdomadal  board  to  present  to 
the  executive  committee  a  formulated  plan  for  a  change 
of  the  scholastic  term  of  the  University,  the  date  of  the 
commencement  of  the  fiscal  year,  and  the  publication  of 
the  report  of  the  vice  chancellor  in  advance  of  the  meet- 
ing of  the  board. 

The  hebdomadal  board  formulated  a  plan  retaining  the 
beginning  and  close  of  the  school  year,  but  dividing  it  into 
three  terms  of  three  months  each,  to  be  called  the  Trinity, 
Advent  and  Lent  terms.  The  commencement  to  take  place 
on  the  last  Thursday  in  June.  That  the  fiscal  year  close  on 
the  1st  day  of  January,  and  that  the  schedule  of  studies  be 
arranged  accordingly.  This  plan  was  approved  by  the  exec- 
utive committee  and  reported  to  the  board  in  August, 
1900,  for  adoption.  The  board  adopted  the  resolutions, 
authorizing  the  change  on  July  28, 1900,  and  by  ordinance 
changed  the  time  of  the  annual  meeting  of  the  board  of 
trustees  to  the  Thursday  (afterwards  changed  to  Satur- 
day) before  the  last  Thursday  in  June.  There  were  various 
reasons  assigned  for  the  change  of  terms,  among  others, 
that  it  would  make  our  commencement  correspond  in 
point  of  time  with  that  of  other  colleges  and  universities. 
That  it  would  enable  us  to  supply  vacancies  in  the  teach- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  S65 

ing  department  to  better  advantage  at  that  time  than  at  a 
later  period,  when  engagements  will  generally  have  been 
made.  That  a  three  months  term  instead  of  a  five  months 
term  would  prove  more  beneficial  to  professors  and  stu- 
dents in  the  matter  of  examinations  and  schedule  studies. 
Commencement  will  occur  earlier  in  the  season,  and  be- 
fore the  mass  of  summer  visitors  come  to  the  mountain, 
which  at  present  rather  congests  the  accommodations  and 
distracts  the  students.  It  is  believed  the  change  will 
prove  advantageous  in  many  respects. 

After  a  continuous  service  of  ten  years,  Dr.  W.  P. 
Trent,  professor  of  English  and  dean  of  the  academic 
department,  resigned  to  take  a  similar  position  in  one  of 
the  departments  of  Columbia  University,  in  the  city  of 
New  York.  Dr.  Trent,  during  his  connection  with  the 
University,  had  acquired  a  very  prominent  position  in 
the  world  of  letters,  both  as  an  author  and  critic.  One  of 
his  most  important  publications  was  the  "Life  of  W. 
Gilmore  Sims/'  of  South  Carolina.  A  fine  master  of  the 
English  language,  his  literary  work  was  always  of  the 
highest  character,  and  his  literary  taste  and  judgment  had 
given  him  preeminence  in  the  field  of  criticism. 

His  place  was  filled  by  the  election  of  Prof.  J.  B.  Hen- 
neman,  M.  A.,  of  the  University  of  Tennessee,  and  Ph.  D. 
of  the  University  of  Berlin,  a  well-known  educator,  occu- 
pying the  chair  of  English  in  that  University,  where  he 
was  highly  esteemed  as  a  scholar  and  a  gentleman.  It 
was  deemed  fortunate  that  this  University  was  able  to 
secure  his  services  in  this  department. 

Prof.  E.  T.  Babbitt,  Ph.  D.,  assumed  the  duties  of  the 
chair  of  modern  languages  in  August,  1900.  Prof.  Babbitt 


364  HISTORY   OF    THE 

had  spent  several  years  abroad,  and  had  received  his 
degree  of  batchelor  of  arts  at  Harvard  University.  He 
brought  to  the  University  a  high  reputation  as  an  in- 
structor in  modern  languages. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  at  commencement,  1899,  was 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  George  W.  Douglas,  S.  T.  D.,  of 
New  York,  and  the  oration  by  Joseph  Packard,  Jr.,  LL.  D., 
of  Baltimore. 

Dr.  Douglas  most  graciously  offered  to  place  in  the 
Breslin  Tower,  connected  with  the  library,  a  clock 
with  Westminster  chimes  as  a  memorial  to  his  mother. 
Breslin  Hall  was  given  by  Mr.  Breslin  as  a  memorial  to 
a  deceased  daughter,  and  the  Westminister  clock  and 
chimes  was  placed  as  a  memorial  to  Dr.  Douglas's  mother^ 
by  a  happy  sympathy. 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  board,  in  1900,  convened  on 
the  26th  of  July,  and  was  presided  over  by  Bt.  Bev.  E. 
G.  Weed,  D.  D.,  of  Florida,  the  senior  bishop  and  acting 
chancellor,  Bishop  Dudley,  being  absent  in  attendance 
on  the  council  of  the  Church  of  England. 

The  number  of  students  in  attendance  during  the 
scholastic  year,  1900-1901,  was  537,  divided  as  follows: 
Theological,  26;  medical,  227;  law,  17;  academic,  122; 
grammar  school,  164.  The  State  of  Tennessee,  102;  Mis- 
sissippi, 57;  Louisiana,  47;  Alabama,  46;  Texas,  46; 
Georgia,  49;  Florida,  39;  South  Carolina,  38;  other 
Southern  states,  50,  and  the  remainder  from  Northern 
and  Western  states;  seven  being  from  foreign  countries. 

The  endowment  committee  reported,  in  1900,  aggregate 
endowment  funds  to  the  amount  of  $156,925,  of  which 
|36,000  had  been  given  for  scholarships  in  the  theological 


St.  Augustines  Chapel,  erected  in   J  867,  forming  part  of  the  enlarged  Chapel 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  36* 

•department,  $48,000  for  scholarships  in  the  academic  and 
grammar  school,  f 20,000  for  current  expenses  of  the  theo- 
logical department,  known  as  the  Hubbard  fund,  and 
$50,000  endowment  of  academic  department. 


366  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

The  University  library — Addition  to  Thompson  Medical  Hall — 
Reorganization  of  law  department — Death  of  Prof.  Greenough 
Whiter— Resignation  of  Rev.  Dr.  H.  R.  Starr. 

1901-1902. 

THE  first  year  of  the  new  century,  the  thirty-second 
since  the  opening  of  the  University,  and  forty-third  since 
the  initial  organization,  showed  the  institution  in  a  pros- 
perous condition.  Over  five  hundred  students  were  in 
attendance.  Of  these  457  were  from  the  Southern  States, 
54  from  Northern  and  Western  states  and  7  from  foreign 
countries.  The  largest  number  from  any  one  state  was 
from  Tennessee,  numbering  102.  Financially  also  there 
was  a  better  exhibit  than  in  any  previous  year,  and  the 
income  more  nearly  equalized  the  expenditures. 

During  the  year  1901  a  large  addition  was  made  to  the 
medical  hall,  known  as  Thompson  Hall,  enlarging  the  au- 
ditorium to  accommodate  250  students,  and  doubling  the 
size  of  the  laboratory.  The  cost  of  this  enlargement  was 
$4,000,  provided  from  the  income  of  the  medical  depart- 
ment. The  Hodgson  Infirmary,  formerly  the  Hodgson 
Library  Building,  remodeled  and  enlarged  at  a  cost  of 
$8,000,  with  Thompson  Hall,  represented  in  all  a  plant  of 
the  value  of  $40,000  connected  with  the  medical  depart- 
ment. 

The  grammar  school  dormitory,  as  previously  men- 
tioned, had  been  added  to  the  permanent  plant  of  the 
University  at  a  cost  of  $60,000. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  367 

Several  changes  occurred  in  the  personnel  of  the  Univer- 
sity. Rev.  Dr.  Reginald  H.  Starr,  professor  of  dogmatic 
theology,  had  resigned,  but  it  had  been  necessary  to  post- 
pone the  filling  of  the  chair.  Mr.  Julius  Leigh  resigned 
the  position  of  head  master  of  the  grammar  school,  and 
Mr.  Henry  G.  Seibels,  an  alumnus  of  the  University,  had 
been  appointed  to  fill  that  position. 

The  University  has  long  felt  the  great  need  of  a  suitable 
library  building.  In  1876  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D., 
gave  the  sum  of  f  10,000  for  the  erection  of  a  library  build- 
ing, stipulating  that  he  should  determine  its  location, 
and  be  granted  a  lease  of  a  considerable  tract  of  land  in 
its  vicinity.  Having  certain  views  as  to  the  development 
of  that  portion  of  the  domain  near  Morgan's  Steep,  he 
designated  a  location  for  the  library  building  in  that 
vicinity.  Plans  for  the  building  were  prepared  by  Mr. 
H.  Hudson  Holly,  of  New  York,  a  skilled  architect,  and 
the  building  was  erected  on  the  crowning  elevation  where 
it  now  stands.  The  distance  from  the  other  buildings  of 
the  University  proved  an  insuperable  difficulty  as  to  con- 
venience and  accessibility,  and  after  some  years  it  was 
decided  to  remove  the  books  to  the  attic  of  Convocation 
Hall  ad  interim  until  a  better  location  could  be  had. 
lears  passed  by,  and  no  suitable  place  could  be  pro- 
vided, until  1895,  when  a  portion  of  the  library  was 
placed  in  a  large  room  in  the  third  story  of  Walsh  Mem- 
orial Hall,  and  a  reading  room  arranged  in  connection 
with  the  library.  In  1897  a  generous  alumnus  of  the 
University,  realizing  the  great  need  of  a  suitable  place 
for  the  library,  gave  the  sum  of  $6,000  for  the  remodeling 
of  the  interior,  fitting  up  and  furnishing  Convocation 


368  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Hall  for  the  library.  The  building  was  entirely  suitable 
for  the  purpose.  It  was  central,  well  lighted,  sufficiently 
spacious  for  all  present  needs  and  easily  adapted  to  the 
purpose. 

Convocation  Hall  was  originally  built  from  funds  given 
for  a  chapter  house  and  a  gymnasium,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses. As  the  funds  for  these  objects  were  not  sufficient 
for  providing  separate  buildings,  Kev.  Dr.  Hodgson,  the 
then  vice  chancellor,  merged  these  funds  into  the  erection 
of  the  main  building,  which,  for  the  want  of  any  suitable 
name,  was  called  Convocation  Hall.  While  the  building 
was  being  erected,  through  the  influence  of  the  Rev.  Dr. 
F.  A.  Shoup,  a  friend  of  his,  Mr.  Thomas  Breslin,  gave 
the  sum  of  $10,000  for  the  erection  of  the  noble  Breslin 
Tower,  as  a  memorial  to  his  deceased  daughter.  This 
splendid  tower  rivals  in  size,  although  not  in  height,  the 
well-known  Magdalen  tower  at  Oxford,  after  which  it 
was  planned. 

The  eastern  portion  of  the  main  building  was  fitted  up 
as  a  gymnasium,  with  a  paneled  partition  separating  it 
from  the  west  half,  which  was  handsomely  finished  as  a 
hall,  and  was  used,  when  used  at  all,  as  a  place  of  meet- 
ing for  the  board  of  trustees,  and  sometimes  for  concerts 
and  lectures.  As  remodeled,  its  spacious  and  well-lighted 
reading  room,  with  plate  glass  windows,  handsome  oak 
furniture  and  conveniences  for  all  purposes,  leaves  noth- 
ing to  be  desired,  except  a  sufficient  income  for  supplying 
additions  to  the  library  of  new  books  and  current  publica- 
tions. The  building  will,  no  doubt,  in  time  be  required 
to  be  enlarged,  but  it  now  contains  25,000  volumes  of 
bound  works  and  an  equal  number  of  unbound  volumes. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  369 

It  possesses  very  valuable  works  and  in  some  department? 
a  very  complete  collection  upon  special  subjects. 

Rev.  Dr.  J.  A.  Oertel's  valuable  collection  of  paintings 
of  religious  subjects  was  removed  to  the  Walsh  Memorial 
Hall,  where  they  form  an  attraction  to  many  visitors. 

Up  to  1901  the  annual  meeting  of  the  trustees  had  been 
held  in  August  in  connection  with  the  commencement 
exercises.  The  change  from  two  terms  to  three  made  it 
necessary  to  change  the  time  for  the  meeting  of  the 
board  of  trustees  to  Saturday  before  commencement  day. 
The  annual  meeting  of  the  board  was,  therefore,  held  in 
1901  on  the  20th  day  of  June.  About  the  usual  number 
of  bishops,  clerical  and  lay  trustees1  were  in  attendance. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rev. 
David  H.  Greer,  D.  D.,  rector  of  St.  Bartholomews 
Church,  New  York,  and  since  consecrated  as  bishop  coad- 
jutor of  the  diocese  of  New  York.  The  commencement 
oration  was  delivered  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  T.  IT.  Dudley,  the 
chancellor. 

The  Rev.  W.  Lloyd  Bevan,  Ph.  D.,  was  elected  to  the 
chair  of  history  in  the  University,  including  the  academic 
and  theological  departments.  The  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Brent  was  elected  professor  of  dogmatic  theology,  and  the 
Rev.  Arthur  R.  Gray  as  instructor  in  the  theological  de- 
partment. The  Rev.  Mr.  Brent  declined  the  election  and 
has  since  been  consecrated  as  bishop  to  the  Philippines. 

The  law  department  has  hitherto  failed  to  secure  any 
considerable  number  of  students.  A  reorganization  was 
provided  for,  and  Albert  T.  McNeal,  Esq.,  a  lawyer  of 
high  repute  in  Tennessee,  and  for  many  years  a  trustee 
from  that  diocese,  was  elected  dean  of  that  department, 


370  HISTORY    OF    THE 

and  B.  J.  Bamage,  Esq.,  a  professor  of  law.  The  result  of 
the  reorganization  will,  no  doubt,  in  time  build  up  this 
important  department  of  the  University. 

The  Bev.  W.  C.  Douglas,  D.  D.,  of  New  York,  delivered 
a  course  of  lectures  in  the  theological  department  on 
Christian  apologetics,  which  were  highly  appreciated  by 
the  faculty  and  students  of  that  department. 

The  interest  in  athletics  was  greatly  increased  by  the 
record  made  by  Sewanee  in  football  contests  in  the  fall 
of  1899,  and  in  baseball  contests  in  the  spring  of  1900.  In 
order  to  limit  the  tendencies  to  abuse  in  connection  with 
athletic  sports  the  hebdomadal  board  appointed  a  com- 
mittee from  its  members  to  supervise  the  athletics,  and 
the  students  have  for  many  years  elected  the  vice  chancel- 
lor a  member  of  their  athletic  executive  committee,  in 
order  that  the  authorities  should  be  in  touch  with  the  stu- 
dents and  exercise  a  harmonious  control  over  their  games. 

The  argument  in  favor  of  a  reasonable  allowance  of 
intercollegiate  athletics  is  well  stated  by  President  Seth 
Law,  when  at  the  head  of  Columbia  University,  New 
York.  "That,  despite  the  disadvantages  of  intercollegiate 
athletics,  they  are  undoubtedly  beneficial  in  many  ways. 
Such  sports  make  men  of  temperate  lives,  the  students 
heroes ;  they  help  numbers  of  men  to  pass  safely  through 
the  critical  years  of  young  manhood;  they  develop  self- 
restraint,  self-discipline,  courage,  staying  power  and 
many  of  the  qualities  that  tell  powerfully  in  the  battle  of 
life;  they  afford  to  the  educator  an  instrument  whose 
training  value  no  wise  man  will  neglect." 

The  board  of  trustees  passed  a  resolution  that  the 
building  which  had  previously  been  known  as  Convocation 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  371 

Hall  be  henceforth  called  and  known  as  The  Library. 

Mr.  J.  A.  Shaffer,  an  alumnus  of  the  University  resid- 
ing in  Louisiana,  gave  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars 
towards  the  erection  of  a  gymnasium,  and  sundry  other 
benefactors  added  to  this  sum  about  one  thousand  dollars. 
With  this  sum  in  hand,  plans  were  obtained  for  a  gymna- 
sium intended  to  meet  all  the  wants  of  the  athletic  depart- 
ment in  the  future.  The  location  was  selected  and  mate- 
rial for  a  section  of  the  proposed  building  placed  on  the 
ground. 

The  term  of  office  of  Rev.  John  Kershaw,  a  secretary  of 
the  board  of  trustees,  having  expired,  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Glass 
was  elected  to  fill  that  position. 

The  occupation  of  the  Hoffman  Dormitory  for  students 
in  the  junior  department  it  was  thought  might  operate  un- 
favorably upon  the  boarding  houses,  which,  it  was  origin- 
ally contemplated,  should  board  and  lodge  the  students, 
but  the  greater  amount  of  accommodations  afforded  for 
summer  visitors  by  the  withdrawal  of  the  students  imme- 
diately filled  the  boarding  houses  during  the  summer,  not, 
perhaps,  to  the  advantage  of  the  students,  who  naturally 
availed  themselves  of  the  social  pleasures  connected  with 
the  presence  of  agreeable  acquaintances  of  the  other  sex. 
This  has  its  advantages  in  promoting  the  courtesies  of 
life,  but  may  become  in  time  a  very  serious  drawback,  and 
some  measures  may  be  required  to  place  summer  visitors 
at  a  greater  distance  from  the  University  buildings.  Prob- 
ably in  the  future  hotels  on  a  large  scale  may  be  built  neap 
the  brow  of  the  mountain,  or  regulations  like  those  at 
West  Point  be  adopted,  to  lessen  the  too  frequent  asso- 
ciation of  the  students  with  visitors. 


372  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Shortly  after  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  in 
1901,  Prof.  Greenough  White,  of  the  theological  depart- 
ment, was  found  dead  in  his  room  in  St.  Lukes  Hall.  He 
had  in  November,  1900,  shown  such  signs  of  mental  dis- 
turbance that  it  had  been  necessary  that  he  should  sus- 
pend his  duties  in  the  theological  department.  He  ob- 
tained leave  of  absence  in  April,  1901,  and  made  a  long 
journey  to  the  Pacific  coast,  returning  to  Sewanee  in 
June  following.  He  appeared  before  the  board  and  ten- 
dered his  resignation ;  a  few  days  afterwards  under  a  tem- 
porary attack  of  insanity,  he  took  his  own  life,  to  the 
great  sorrow  and  regret  of  all  who  knew  him.  He  was 
a  devoted  friend  of  Sewanee,  and  by  his  lectures  on  art, 
and  his  enthusiasm  in  its  culture,  he  added  greatly  to  the 
interest  of  Sewanee's  social  life.  He  was  a  writer  of 
great  promise  and  the  author  of  three  works  of  great  in- 
terest, "The  Philosophy  of  English  Literature,"  "A  Saint 
of  the  Southern  Church,"  the  subject  of  which  was  Bishop 
Cobbs,  of  Alabama,  and  "The  Life  of  Bishop  Kemper." 
He  was  also  a  frequent  contributor  to  magazines.  His 
death  was  a  great  shock  to  Sewanee,  and  it  was  felt  that 
an  accomplished  scholar  in  literature,  history  and  art  had 
gone  from  us. 

The  most  important  event  of  the  year  1902  was  the 
completion  and  occupation  of  the  new  grammar  school 
dormitory,  the  Quintard  Memorial.  The  proximity  of 
the  grammar  school  had  always  been  felt  to  be  a  detriment 
in  many  respects  to  both  it  and  the  University. 

In  this  progressive  age  it  is  found  difficult  to  hold  back 
youth  to  the  period  of  necessary  preparation.  The  gram- 
mar school  boy  finds  it  hard  to  realize  that  he  needs  so 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  373 

long  a  drilling  in  the  elementary  branches  of  education 
before  advancing  to  the  higher  grades)  of  scholarship, 
which  cannot  be  successfully  pursued  without  this  pre- 
vious preparation.  A  great  need,  therefore,  is  to  create 
a  right  sentiment  in  the  boy,  and  to  do  this  it  is  essential 
to  instill  in  him  a  sense  of  the  value  and  dignity  of 
the  grammar  or  preparatory  school,  its  individuality  and 
its  importance,  to  recall  to  his  mind  that  the  great  states- 
men, the  great  luminaries  of  England,  have  always  con- 
sidered that  to  have  been  an  Eton  or  Rugby  boy  was  a 
greater  honor  than  to  have  been  at  Oxford  or  Cambridge. 

It  is  desirable,  therefore,  that  as  soon  as  may  be  the 
grammar  school  should  enlarge  its  plant  in  all  directions, 
that  it  should  have  its  own  chapel  for  daily  prayers, 
school  rooms,  play  grounds,  and  be  a  rival  as  well  as 
feeder  to  the  University.  Could  the  academic  department 
be  fully  endowed  and  the  revenues  of  the  grammar  school 
be  appropriated  entirely  to  its  support  and  general  en- 
largement and  improvement,  the  Sewanee  grammar  school 
would  attain  to  a  very  high  place  in  the  roll  of  promi- 
nent preparatory  schools,  be  ranked  as  superior  in  mem- 
bers and  accessories  to  Concord,  Shattuck  and  Groton. 

It  would  accomplish  more  then  in  the  building  up  of 
the  University  in  its  higher  departments  than  any  other 
agency. 

In  the  great  need  of  the  church  for  men  to  meet  the 
growing  demand  for  clergy,  to  occupy  its  parishes  and 
carry  on  its  missions,  Sewanee  ought  to  have  scores  of 
scholarships  in  the  theological  department,  and  then  our 
candidates  would  not  be  obliged  to  accept  scholarships 
in  distant  seminaries,  often  losing  their  fealty  and  attach- 


374  HISTORY    OF    THE 

ment  to  their  own  part  of  the  country,  their  own  people 
and  their  own  family. 

It  is  gratifying  to  observe,  as  the  University  grows 
older,  that  its  alumni  are  bringing  to  the  institution  for 
matriculation  their  own  sons  and  relatives.  This  has 
been  a  great  source  of  support  to  all  the  older  colleges  of 
the  country,  and  is  still  so.  The  South  formerly  sent 
many  of  its  youth  to  Yale,  Harvard  and  Princeton,  and 
there  is  still  a  strong  attachment  on  the  part  of  parents 
to  the  institutions  where  they  themselves  were  educated, 
which  will  account  in  great  measure  for  the  number  of 
Southern  students  in  Northern  colleges.  If  it  is  intended 
that  these  students  shall  reside  in  the  South  it  is  a  great 
mistake  to  educate  them  elsewhere.  This  will  gradually 
grow  less  the  case,  and  as  the  number  of  our  alumni  in- 
crease through  the  South,  their  attachment  to  Sewanee 
will  be  a  potent  influence  to  build  it  up. 

The  University  has  established  the  custom  of  making 
September  18th  an  annual  holiday,  commemorating  the 
opening  of  the  school  on  that  day  in  1868.  While  at  this 
writing  only  thirty-six  years  have  elapsed  since  the  open- 
ing of  the  school,  when  but  nine  students  were  enrolled, 
and  upwards  of  four  thousand  students  have  matriculated 
since,  yet  the  writer  was  the  only  person  present  in  the 
chapel  in  1904  who  was  present  at  the  opening  in  1868, 
so  rapidly  do  generations  pass  away.  Six,  however,  of 
these  nine  first  students  are  still  living,  but  not  one  of  the 
then  faculty. 

At  the  annual  session  of  the  board,  in  June,  1902,  Rev. 
Samuel  B.  Bishop  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  dogmatic 
theology  in  the  theological  department,  vacant  by  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  375 

resignation  of  Dr.  R.  H.  Starr.  All  the  members  of  the 
various  faculties  were  reelected  at  the  session  of  the 
board  of  trustees  in  June,  1902.  H.  W.  Jervey,  M.  A., 
was  elected  instructor  in  Greek ;  J.  M.  Selden,  instructor 
in  chemistry,  and  Henry  G.  Seibels,  head  master  of  the 
grammar  school. 

In  August,  1902,  a  garrison  post  flag,  the  gift  of  Mrs. 
Carter,  was  raised  in  front  of  Quintard  Memorial  Hall, 
with  appropriate  military  ceremonies.  In  this  connec- 
tion it  will  be  recalled  that  at  the  first  meeting  of  the 
delegates  for  the  organization  of  the  University  on  Look- 
out Mountain,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1857,  the  United  States 
flag  was  raised  over  the  speaker's  stand,  and  forty- 
five  years  subsequently  the  flag  was  again  ceremonially 
given  prominence  as  an  evidence  that  the  University  was 
conceived  in  no  selfish  sectional  spirit,  and  that  now,  as  at 
its  inception,  the  University  recognized  and  honored  the 
flag  as  the  emblem  of  our  united  and  common  country. 


376  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

The  loss  by  death  of  Bishops  Hugh  Miller,  of  Mississippi,  and 
Robert  W.  Barnwell,  of  Alabama — Retirement  of  Professors 
W.  Lloyd  Bevan  and  Babbitt — Other  changes  in  the  faculty — 
Election  of  Dr.  Brantz  Mayer  Roszel,  as  master  of  the  Gram- 
mar School — Improvements  on  the  domain. 

1902-1903. 

Two  of  the  bishops  connected  with  the  board  of  trustees 
died  during  the  year  1902.  Bt.  Rev.  Robert  W.  Barnwell, 
of  the  diocese  of  Alabama,  who  had  succeeded  to  the  bish- 
opric of  Alabama  on  the  death  of  Bishop  Wilmer, 
and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Hugh  Miller  Thompson,  of  Mississippi, 
passed  away  during  the  year  1902.  The  Rev.  C.  M.  Beck- 
with,  D.  D.,  of  Texas,  was  elected  bishop  of  Alabama,  to 
succeed  Bishop  Barnwell.  Bishop  C.  M.  Beckwith  was  a 
nephew  of  Bishop  J.  W.  Beckwith,  of  Georgia,  and  had 
been  master  of  the  grammar  school  at  the  University 
at  an  early  day. 

The  catalogue  of  students  for  1902-03  contained  the 
names  of  507  students  in  the  different  departments,  in- 
cluding the  grammar  school;  and  were  registered  from 
27  states.  Twenty-seven  students  were  in  the  theological, 
16  in  the  law,  121  in  the  academic  and  183  in  the  gram- 
mar school.  Four  hundred  and  seventy-nine  of  the 
students  were  from  the  Southern  States  and  34  from 
elsewhere.  Mr.  H.  G.  Siebels  was  head  master  of  the 
grammar  school  from  June,  1902,  to  June,  1903,  when  he 
retired  from  that  position  and  was  succeeded  by  Mr. 
Brantz  Mayer  Roszel,  Ph.  D. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  377 

The  chair  of  dogmatic  theology  was  filled  by  the  election 
of  Rev.  T.  A.  Tidball,  D.  D.,  of  Philadelphia,  Rev.  W.  P. 
DuBose,  S.  T.  D.,  Rev.  Wm.  S.  Bishop,  Rev.  W.  H.  Du- 
Bose, M.  A.,  B.  D.,  Rev.  A.  R.  Gray,  and  Rev.  W.  A. 
Guerry,  by  election,  completed  the  full  theological  faculty. 

Prof.  Babbitt,  who  had  filled  the  chair  of  modern  lan- 
guages since  1900,  was  obliged  to  obtain  leave  of  absence 
during  the  Trinity  term,  1902,  and  Prof.  G.  S.  Swiggert, 
Ph.  D.,  was  employed  in  spring  term  of  1903,  and  elected 
to  that  chair  at  the  July  meeting  of  the  board  in  1903, 
and  Prof.  Rauiage  was  also  incapacitated  for  duty  and 
accepted  a  leave  of  absence  during  the  spring  term  of 
1903,  and  resigned,  at  the  end  of  Trinity  term,  1903,  his 
chair  in  the  law  department.  Hugher  W.  Jervey,  M.  A., 
instructor  in  Greek,  was  advanced  to  the  position  of  asso- 
ciate professor  of  Greek,  in  July,  1903.  In  the  gram- 
mar school  Dr.  W.  A.  Montgomery  was  appointed  assist- 
ant instructor  in  classics,  Mr.  Herbert  Evans,  instructor 
in  English,  Mr.  L.  E.  Hubbard,  assistant  master.  An 
arrangement  having  been  made  with  the  Bank  of  Win- 
chester, Tenn.,  to  establish  a  branch  of  that  institution 
at  Sewanee,  an  addition  was  built  to  the  supply  store,  of 
a  stone  building  large  enough  to  contain  the  bank  office 
and  vault,  and  the  University  treasurer's  office,  and  a 
room  for  the  bookkeeper  of  the  supply  store.  This  proved 
a  great  convenience  to  the  officers  of  the  University,  as 
well  as  to  the  business  men,  citizens  and  especially 
students  and  visitors. 

The  work  of  the  department  of  forestry  was  continued 
during  the  years  1902  and  1903,  with  very  satisfactory 
results. 


378  HISTORY    OF    THE 

Hitherto,  very  little  had  been  undertaken  towards  im- 
proving the  domain,  there  being  no  special  funds  applica- 
ble to  that  purpose.  A  generous  friend,  in  1902-03, 
donated  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  to  be  applied  to 
the  improvement  of  Manigault  Park,  in  front  of  St.  Lukes 
Theological  Hall  and  the  Hoffman  Dormitory.  These 
grounds  were  accordingly  greatly  beautified  by  the  laying 
out  of  graded  roads  and  walks,  the  planting  of  evergreens, 
shrubbery  and  flowers.  What  has  already  been  done  in 
Manigault  Park  encourages  the  assurance  that  our  Uni- 
versity domain  may  be  made  in  time  the  beautiful  and 
magnificent  park  which  its  founders  contemplated,  and 
which  its  natural  features,  splendid  forest  growth,  easily 
constructed  avenues,  its  pellucid  springs,  gentle  slopes, 
varied  elevation  and  ravines  present  to  the  landscape 
gardener  the  opportunity  of  more  extensive  and  beautiful 
elaboration  than  is  possessed  even  by  the  Vanderbilt 
famous  park  at  Biltmore,  near  Asheville,  N.  C.  This 
opportunity  will,  no  doubt,  be  in  time  gradually  carried 
into  effect. 

In  this  connection  it  should  be  mentioned  that  a 
village  improvement  society,  organized  in  1902,  has 
already  accomplished  much  in  the  laying  out  of  stone- 
curbed  broad  walks  from  the  railroad  station  to  the  Uni- 
versity buildings,  the  placing  in  the  roadway  a  slag  coat- 
ing from  the  former  furnace  at  Cowan,  gradually  estab- 
lishing a  good  and  permanent  roadway  on  our  principal 
avenues  and  thoroughfares. 

The  same  generous  friend  who  furnished  the  funds  for 
the  improvement  of  the  grounds  of  Manigault  Park,  also 
.provided  the  means  of  enclosing  and  fencing  with  patent 


OF  THE 

f   UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  379 

gates,  some  five  hundred  acres  or  more,  embracing  the 
University  buildings  and  vicinity,  thus  keeping  out  va- 
grants and  undesirable  roaming  stock. 

Among  other  things  to  be  used  in  ornamentation,  the 
University  obtained  15,000  seedling  pines  from  Germany, 
which  have  been  placed  in  a  nursery  and  distributed  in 
the  grounds  to  be  hereafter  made  use  of  in  the  further 
beautifying  of  the  domain. 

During  the  session  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1903  an 
appropriate  and  beautiful  ledger  monument  of  polished 
granite  was  unveiled  in  the  Sewanee  cemetery  in  mem- 
ory of  General  Francis  Asbury  Shoup,  D.  D.,  and  for 
many  years  a  professor  in  the  University.  Dr.  Shoup 
held  the  position  of  brigadier-general  in  the  Confederate 
Army.  The  unveiling  of  the  monument  was  attended  by 
the  camp  of  Confederate  Veterans  and  by  the  board  of 
trustees,  with  the  citizens  of  Sewanee.  Addresses  were 
made  by  the  Rt.  Kev.  Thomas  U.  Dudley,  LL.  D.,  chan- 
cellor of  the  University  and  an  officer  of  the  Confederate 
army,  also  by  Rt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Gailor,  D.  D.,  bishop 
of  Tennessee. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Alexander  C.  Garrett,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.,  bishop  of 
Dallas.  The  commencement  oration  was  delivered  by 
Prof.  H.  C.  White,  of  the  University  of  Georgia.  Six  can- 
didates for  orders  in  the  theological  department  received 
the  degree  of  bachelor  of  divinity.  Thirty-nine  graduates 
of  the  medical  department  received  the  degree  of  M.  D. 
Three  received  the  degree  of  LL.  D.,  and  one  of  civil  en- 
gineer. 


880  HISTORY   OF    THE 

At  the  meeting  of  the  board  in  1903,  in  view  of  the  in- 
convenient state  of  our  finances  and  indebtedness,  it  was 
decided  to  fund  all  our  indebtedness  by  the  execution  of 
a  new  loan  and  mortgage  which  should  bear  interest  of 
not  more  than  5  per  cent,  the  whole  amount  limited  to 
the  sum  of  $150,000,  and  to  run  for  fifty  years.  The 
arrangement  and  details  for  carrying  into  effect  said 
funding  was  placed  with  the  executive  committee,  with 
full  power  to  act,  with  the  proviso  that  not  more  than 
$  100,000  of  such  bonds  should  be  now  issued. 

The  executive  committee  negotiated  with  certain  parties 
in  Atlanta,  Ga.,  by  whom  the  University  bonds,  to  the 
amount  of  $75,000  were  taken  at  par,  the  University  pay- 
ing, however,  5  per  cent  to  the  financial  agency  through 
whom  the  negotiation  was  effected,  such  agency  paying 
all  expenses  upon  the  same. 

Through  the  receipt  of  the  moneys  paid  upon  the 
f  75,000  of  bonds  sold,  the  University  paid  off  the  bonds 
and  mortgages  outstanding  of  the  former  loan,  and  also 
the  floating  debt. 

The  annual  interest  of  5  per  cent  to  be  paid  on  this 
loan,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  $3,750,  payable  seini-annu- 
ally,  is  not  a  great  burden  for  the  University  to  carry, 
as  the  outstanding  indebtedness  was  carrying  our  inter- 
est from  6  per  cent  to  8  per  cent.  It  is  to  be  hoped, 
however,  that  no  further  indebtedness  will  be  required  to 
be  incurred. 

It  had  been  the  desire  of  the  University  for  some  years 
that  the  diocese  of  Missouri  should  become  one  of  the 
associated  dioceses  connected  with  the  University.  Hap- 
pily, in  the  year  1903,  the  convention  of  that  diocese  took 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  381 

action,  consenting  to  become  affiliated  with  the  other 
dioceses  connected  with  the  University,  and,  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  the  venerable  bishop  of 
that  diocese,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Sylvester  Tuttle,  D.  D.,  now  the 
presiding  bishop  of  the  church,  and  Rev.  James  R.  Win- 
chester, D.  D.,  and  Messrs.  Wilkins  R.  Shields  and  Fayette 
O.  Ewing  took  their  seats  as  trustees.  The  accession  of 
Missouri  increased  the  number  of  bishops  on  the 
board  to  seventeen,  and  of  clerical  members  to  nineteen, 
and  of  lay  trustees  to  thirty-eight — making  in  all  a  mem- 
bership of  seventy-four,  equally  divided  between  clergy 
and  laity.  This  number  of  trustees  would  be  entirely  un- 
wieldy if  a  full  attendance  was  had,  but  less  than  half 
the  number  are  usually  present  at  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  board,  and  by  a  judicious  arrangement  all  the  powers 
of  the  board,  during  the  recess,  are  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  executive  committee,  consisting  of  the  chancellor, 
three  other  bishops,  three  clergymen  and  three  laymen. 
This  arrangement  provides  for  any  action  that  may  be 
necessary  during  the  recess. 

The  plans  for  the  gymnasium  provided  for  a  grand 
ball  court  of  considerable  size  at  the  west  end  of  the 
building.  Having  sufficient  funds  in  hand  for  the  con- 
struction of  this  portion  of  the  building,  work  was  begun 
upon  it  in  order  to  utilize  it  for  temporary  use  and  give 
greater  facilities  for  athletic  training  while  the  main 
building  was  awaited.  This  was  successfully  accom- 
plished during  the  fall  of  1903,  and  the  athletic  depart- 
ment removed  from  its  temporary  occupation  of  Forensic 
Hall.  The  success  of  competitive  games  with  other  insti- 
tutions was  not  so  marked  during  1903-1904,  owing  mainly 


382  HISTORY    OF    THE 

to  the  lighter  weight  of  the  Sewanee  men  in  comparison 
with  those  competing  with  them. 

The  University  sustained  a  severe  loss  in  the  death  of 
its  great  chancellor,  Bishop  Dudley,  of  Kentucky,  LL.  D.y 
D.  C.  L.,  who  died  suddenly  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
on  the  22d  day  of  January,  1904.  The  executive  commit- 
tee, of  which  he  was  ex  officio  the  chairman,  made  a  record 
upon  its  own  minutes  of  their  sense  of  the  great  loss  sus- 
tained by  them  and  the  University,  and  arranged  for  a 
memorial  service  to  be  held  in  the  University  chapel,  on 
June  25,  1904,  to  consist  of  a  celebration  of  the  holy 
communion  and  commemorative  addresses.  The  service 
was  accordingly  held  on  the  day  appointed,  there  being 
present  the  board  of  trustees,  the  faculty  and  students  of 
the  University  and  a  large  concourse  of  the  people  of 
Sewanee,  and  visitors.  Addresses  were  made  by  the  Kt 
Eev.  Dr.  Peterkin,  bishop  of  West  Virginia,  in  behalf  of 
the  general  church;  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Tuttle,  chancellor 
ad  interim,  representing  the  board  of  trustees;  and  the 
Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  S.  T.  D.,  representing  the  faculty.  The 
board  of  trustees  placed  upon  their  minutes  a  memorial 
expressive  of  the  feeling  of  that  body,  in  which  it  was 
truly  said,  "The  loss  of  the  head  of  an  institution  must 
always  fall  as  a  blow  upon  those  who  are  left  behind,  but 
our  loss,  we  feel,  is  beyond  expression,  heavy  and  grievous, 
because  of  the  character  of  the  man,  and  because  of  the 
critical  time  in  which  the  blow  falls,  both  for  the  Uni- 
versity and  the  South." 

Bishop  Dudley  was  preeminently  our  leader  as  well 
as  the  chancellor  of  the  University.  Nurtured  in  that 
splendid  past  which  we  love  to  speak  of  with  tender  pride 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  383 

as  the  Old  South,  he  embodied  the  splendid  strength,  the 
strong  tenderness,  the  loving  gentleness,  the  uniform 
gentle  and  genial  courtesy  of  the  Southern  gentleman  of 
the  old  school,  together  with  those  Christian  qualities  of 
leadership,  necessary  alike  to  all  great  characters  and  to 
every  age,  which  are  here  enumerated  in  the  language  of 
our  venerable  presiding  bishop  in  "foresight,  care,  pro- 
tection, love." 

We  regarded  him  as  our  strongest  link  to  that  past 
deeply  venerated  by  him  and  most  dear  to  us.  We  gloried 
in  him  as  the  leader  who  led  best  and  influenced  strongest, 
because  he  believed  that  the  enduring  in  the  present  is 
the  fruit  of  the  past,  and  we  loved  him  with  the  "love  that 
never  faileth,"  because  rooted  and  grounded  in  the  simple 
reality  which  is  the  essence  of  divine  love. 

The  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  on  June  25,  1904, 
was  more  largely  attended  than  any  other  previous 
meeting,  there  being  present  ten  bishops,  besides  the 
bishop  of  West  Virginia,  not  a  member  of  the  board,  four- 
teen clerical  and  twelve  lay  trustees. 

Rt.  Rev.  Ellison  Capers,  D.  D.,  was  elected  chancellor 
for  one  year  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  Bishop  Dudley. 
The  Rev.  James  G.  Glass  was  reelected  secretary  for 
the  term  of  three  years. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees  in  1903  a  reso- 
lution was  passed  that  a  committee  be  appointed  whose 
duty  it  should  be  to  call  attention  to  the  importance  of 
a  new  chapel  for  the  University,  and  to  do  what  it  can  to 
collect  the  requisite  funds  for  the  same,  etc.  Under  this 
resolution  the  chancellor,  vice  chancellor  and  chaplain 
were  appointed  such  committee,  and  it  was  decided  by  the 


384  HISTORY    OF    THE 

committee  that  the  chaplain  be  sent  out  during  the  winter 
vacation  of  1903-04,  December  to  March,  to  canvass  the 
dioceses  connected  with  the  University,  to  present  this 
and  other  needs  of  the  University.  And  in  this  connec- 
tion, the  vice  chancellor  advised  that  funds  should  be 
solicited  for  the  raising  of  a  fund  to  be  called  the  semi- 
centennial fund  to  be  paid  each  year  until  1907,  being  the 
semicentennial  anniversary  of  the  first  meeting  for  the 
establishing  of  the  University,  held  at  Lookout  Moun- 
tain, in  1857.  The  chaplain  entered  upon  the  canvass 
during  January,  February  and  March,  1904,  and  met  with 
considerable  success,  securing  annual  subscriptions  to 
the  semicentennial  fund,  payable  until  1907,  to  the 
amount  of  $15,000,  and  to  the  chapel  fund,  $11,285,  and 
a  Bishop  Dudley  scholarship  fund  of  $5,000,  provided 
for  in  her  will  by  Mrs.  Aldrich,  of  New  York.  It  was 
suggested  to  Rev.  Mr.  Guerry,  by  Mrs.  Aldrich,  that  the 
proposed  new  chapel  should  be  called  "All  Saints,"  and 
be  built  in  memory  of  all  who  had  been  officially  connected 
with  the  University,  and  she  engaged,  if  her  suggestion 
was  adopted,  to  give  $5,000  in  memory  of  Bishop  Gallaher, 
her  former  rector.  The  sum  of  $4,000  was  subscribed  to 
the  fund  in  memory  of  Bishop  Polk,  and  Mrs.  Hoffman, 
the  widow  of  Dean  Hoffman,  gave  $1,000  in  memory  of  her 
husband,  and  less  amounts  to  the  sum  of  $825  were  sub- 
scribed. 

The  committee  made  their  report  to  the  board  of  trus- 
tees at  their  June  meeting,  in  1904,  and  resolutions  were 
passed,  adopting  the  name  of  "All  Saints"  for  the  new 
chapel,  and  providing  for  sundry  details  and  the  location 
of  such  chapel  to  the  south  of  Walsh  Memorial  Hall, 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  385 

which  location  was  not  regarded,  by  tke  writer,  as  that 
which  should  be  made,  preferring  that  the  plans  of  loca- 
tion made  in  1860,  by  Bishop  Hopkins,  should  preferably 
be  followed,  for  reasons  which  will  be  found  in  statements 
made  by  him  to  the  board  in  1890  and  1894. 

The  suggestion  of  making  the  chapel  a  memorial  church 
to  those  who  had  been  connected  with  or  who  had  made 
benefactions,  was  a  judicious  one,  and  which  will  doubt- 
less make  it  possible  to  raise  a  sufficient  fund  to  build  a 
chapel  worthy  of  this  church  University.  The  commit- 
tee was  continued  and  will,  no  doubt,  do  effective  work, 
with  the  hope  that  a  sufficient  portion  of  the  chapel  may 
be  built  to  be  opened  on  the  semicentennial  of  1907. 

The  baccalaureate  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Bt.  Rev. 
Edwin  Gardner  Weed,  D.  D.,  bishop  of  Florida. 

An  invitation  extended  to  his  excellency,  Baron  Speck 
von  Sternberg,  the  German  ambassador,  was  accepted 
by  him  to  deliver  the  commencement  oration,  which  he 
did  most  acceptably,  on  Thursday,  June  30,  1904.  A 
largely  attended  reception  at  the  home  of  the  vice  chancel- 
lor was  given  to  his  excellency,  and  he  was  an  honored 
guest  at  the  alumni  banquet.  The  baron  made  a  public 
expression  of  his  appreciation  of  Sewanee  and  its  work 
in  a  communication  published  in  the  New  York  Church- 
man, in  July,  1904.  The  degree  of  I).  C.  L.  was  conferred 
upon  the  baron  by  the  board  of  trustees,  and  the  same 
degree  upon  Prof.  H.  C.  White,  Ph.  D.  The  degree  of 
doctor  of  science  was  conferred  upon  Assistant  Surgeon- 
General  Wm.  C.  Gorgas,  United  States  Army.  General 
Gorgas  is  a  son  of  Confederate  General  Joshia  Gorgas, 
vice  chancellor  of  the  University  in  the  seventies.  The 


386  HISTORY    OF    THE 

son  has  achieved  a  national  reputation  in  connection 
with  sanitary  work  in  Havana,  and  is  now  in  charge  of  the 
sanitary  department  connected  with  the  Panama  Canal. 

The  board  of  trustees  adopted  and  directed  that  en- 
grossed copies  of  an  address  to  be  delivered  on  commence- 
ment day  in  the  chapel,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Chancellor,  ex- 
pressing the  appreciation  of  the  board  of  the  long  con- 
tinued and  faithful  service  of  Rev.  W.  P.  DuBose,  S.  T. 
D.,  the  oldest  professor  in  the  University,  for  his  unflag- 
ging and  unselfish  devotion  and  high  and  faithful  work 
done  in  the  several  chairs  occupied  by  him  and  as  dean  of 
the  theological  department,  and  to  Major  George  R.  Fair- 
banks for  the  work  done  as  trustee  from  ante  bellum  days 
and  as  the  efficient  coadjutor  of  the  late  Bishop  Quintard 
in  the  successful  reestablishing  of  the  University. 

The  endowment  committee  made  a  report  of  the  en- 
dowment funds  of  the  University,  relating  to  the  general 
endowment  and  special  for  scholarship  etc.,  the  total 
amounting  to  $188,184.56.  The  finance  committee  re- 
ported the  total  receipts  from  all  sources  $153,477.64,  and 
disbursements  $150,072.13,  with  a  deficit  balance  from 
previous  year  of  $3,405.51.  There  was,  however,  included 
in  the  receipts,  $74,000  from  sale  of  bonds.  The  total 
value  of  all  assets  of  the  University,  inclusive  of  lands  and 
buildings,  equipment  and  invested  funds,  was  estimated 
at  $732,442.80,  with  a  bonded  indebtedness  of  $75,000  at 
5  per  cent,  and  floating  indebtedness  of  $8,110.22,  show- 
ing a  very  healthy  financial  condition. 

The  University  at  an  early  period  undertook  a  printing 
department,  mainly  for  its  own  use.  For  this  purpose  the 
small  wooden  library  building  near  Otey  Spring  was  re- 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  387 

moved  to  Alabama  Avenue,  and  a  limited  outfit  provided. 
It  was  never  very  satisfactory,  although  quite  useful  in 
meeting  local  demands.  At  this  press  the  Sewanee  Purple 
was  printed,  a  news  sheet  managed  and  edited  by  stu- 
dents, but  of  no  pronounced  literary  character,  but 
chiefly  devoted  to  the  record  of  the  achievements  of  the 
alhletic  department.  Another  publication  called  The 
Mountaineer,  was  undertaken  by  the  grammar  school  boys. 

In  the  year  1892,  the  Sewanee  Review,  a  quarterly  pub- 
lication, was  established  under  the  auspices  of  the  faculty 
of  the  University.  Prof.  Wm.  P.  Trent,  M.  A.,  LL.  D., 
acting  as  editor.  In  its  prospectus  it  was  declared  to  be 
devoted  to  reviews  of  leading  books,  and  to  papers  on  such 
topics  of  general  literature  as  require  fuller  treatment 
than  they  receive  in  popular  magazines  and  less  technical 
treatment  than  they  receive  in  specialist  publications.  In 
other  words,  to  conform  more  nearly  to  the  type  of  the 
English  reviews  than  is  usual  with  American  periodicals. 

The  Review  was  printed  on  heavy  paper  of  octavo  size, 
and  each  number  contained  128  pages. 

From  the  outset,  under  the  able  editorship  of  Dr. 
Trent  and  his  accomplished  successor,  Dr.  J.  B.  Henne- 
man,  professor  of  English,  the  Review  has  attained  a 
high  literary  standing  and  has  given  much  prominence  to 
the  literary  standing  of  the  University. 

An  arrangement  was  made  in  1904  with  the  Rev.  Arthur 
O.  Watkins,  a  graduate  of  the  Johns  Hopkins  University 
and  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  to  undertake  at  his 
own  expense  the  establishing  and  conducting  of  a  Uni- 
versity press,  to  furnish  the  necessary  capital  and  to  as- 
sume the  natural  risk  incident  thereto.  He  agreed  to 


388  HISTORY    OF    THE 

erect  a  suitable  building  and  equip  a  suitable  plant  for 
such  purposes.  The  University  was  to  have  the  privilege, 
on  thirty  days  notice,  to  purchase  the  entire  property.  In 
pursuance  of  this  arrangement,  Mr.  Watkins  built  a  hand- 
some stone  building  on  Alabama  Avenue,  and  equipped 
the  same,  and  it  is  expected  that  the  University  press  will 
be  a  substantial  and  creditable  factor  in  the  advancement 
of  the  interests  of  the  University. 

The  catalogue  for  1903-04  contained  the  names  of  467 
students,  a  loss  of  50  from  the  previous  year  in  the  medi- 
cal department,  and  somewhat  of  an  increase  on  other  de- 
partments, especially  the  academic  and  grammar  school. 

The  cornerstone  of  the  Hodgson  Memorial  Chapel,  as 
a  part  of  the  theological  department,  was  laid  on  Tuesday, 
June  29,  1904,  in  the  presence  of  the  board  of  trustees 
and  the  faculty  and  students  of  the  University,  and  visi 
tors  and  residents  of  the  mountains.  The  cornerstone  was 
laid  by  the  Bt.  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Gailor,  bishop  of  Tennes- 
see, with  the  religious  services  appropriate  to  the  occas- 
ion, by  an  address  commemorative  of  the  life  and  service 
of  the  Rev.  Telfair  Hodgson,  D.  D.,  former  vice  chancellor 
and  at  his  death  dean  of  the  theological  department.  The 
plans  proposed  by  a  leading  architect  of  New  York  City, 
provide  for  the  erection  of  a  very  chaste  and  beautiful 
chapel,  built  of  Sewanee  sandstone,  and  large  enough  to 
meet  any  future  needs  of  the  theological  department.  The 
funds  are  provided  by  Mrs.  F.  G.  Hodgson,  widow  of  the 
deceased  dean. 

A  summer  school  of  theology  was  inaugurated  by  the 
professors  of  the  theological  department,  and  daily  ses- 
sions were  held  through  the  month  of  August.  Among  the 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  389 

speakers  from  abroad  were  the  Rev.  Dr.  Butler,  warden 
of  Seabury  Divinity  School,  and  the  Rev.  C.  B.  Wilmer, 
rector  of  St.  Lukes  Church,  Atlanta,  Ga.  The  sessions 
were  well  attended  and  it  is  expected  that  the  summer 
school  of  theology  will  be  a  permanent  arrangement. 


390  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

Notes  upon  the  founding,  growth  and  present  condition  of  the 
domain  of  the  University,  which  may  be  of  interest  for 
future  reference. 

THE  UNIVERSITY  DOMAIN. 

TENNESSEE  was  originally  a  part  of  North  Carolina,  and 
when  this  vast  unsettled  portion  of  that  State  was  set  off 
to  form  the  new  State  of  Tennessee,  it  had  few  inhabi- 
tants, and  was  still  occupied  by  roving  bands  of  Indians, 
who  were  in  no  wise  friendly  to  the  newcomers  who  had 
invaded  their  favorite  hunting  grounds. 

To  induce  settlement,  especially  of  these  mountain 
ranges,  considered  of  little  value  agriculturally,  the  State 
made  grants  to  individuals  of  tracts  of  land  ranging  from 
25  acres  to  5,000  acres,  the  only  expense  incurred  being  the 
survey,  and  small  fees  to  the  entry  taker  and  register. 
The  grants  were  signed  by  the  governor  and  attested 
under  the  great  seal  by  the  secretary  of  state.  As  the 
entries  were  made  in  a  very  loose  manner,  and  the  calls 
very  indefinite,  when  surveys  came  to  be  made  it  was  not 
uncommon  that  many  grants  lapped  over  the  boundaries 
of  lands  already  granted,  in  which  case,  as  a  rule,  the 
oldest  took  precedence. 

The  mountain  lands  which  lay  on  this  portion  of  the 
Cumberland  range  were  considered  of  so  little  value  that, 
although  they  could  be  had  for  the  asking,  hardly  any  of 
the  portion  now  owned  by  the  University  had  been  taken 
tip  prior  to  1834. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  391 

In  that  year  Madison  Porter,  Thomas  T.  Logan  and 
Wallace  Estill,  Jr.,  applied  for  and  obtained  three  grants 
of  land  containing  5,000  acres  each,  covering  the  present 
domain  of  the  University.  The  Sewanee  Mining  Company 
having  ascertained  that  there  existed  a  large  body  of  coal 
lands  on  the  mountain  beyond  Sewanee,  at  and  in  the 
vicinity  of  Tracy  City,  some  twelve  miles  beyond  Sewanee, 
and  to  some  extent  on  the  University  domain,  purchased 
the  interests  of  Porter  and  Logan,  owning  two-thirds  of 
these  grants,  and,  in  1858,  made  a  gift  of  5,000  acres  to  the 
University,  which  afterwards  acquired  the  Estill  interest 
of  one-third  and,  by  gift  and  purchase,  other  lands,  which, 
with  the  5,000  acres  given  by  the  Sewanee  Mining  Com- 
pany, made  up  nearly  ten  thousand  acres,  now  constitut- 
ing the  domain  of  the  University;  a  larger  domain,  it  is 
believed,  than  is  owned  by  any  other  religious  or  educa- 
tional corporation  in  this  country,  or  perhaps  in  any 
other. 

The  Sewanee  Mining  Company,  about  1855,  constructed 
the  railroad  from  Cowan  on  the  N.  C.  &  St.  L.  B.  B.,  up  the 
mountain  to  the  lower  coal  bank  near  Sewanee,  and  after- 
wards to  Tracy  City. 

The  University  having  in  the  outset  decided  to  maintain 
this  property  intact,  adopted  a  lease  system  of  its  lands, 
under  which  a  resident  population  of  about  one  thousand 
persons  are  living  upon  the  domain,  which  when  acquired 
was  a  virgin  forest  which  it  has  always  been  the  policy 
to  retain  as  far  as  possible  for  sanitary,  aesthetic  and 
practical  reasons,  and  hence  we  find,  to-day,  the  University 
buildings  and  private  residences  surrounded  and  embow- 
ered amid  forest  trees.  By  a  rule  adopted  in  1860,  and  re- 


S92  HISTORY    OF    THE 

affirmed  in  1871,  it  was  provided  that  not  more  than  one- 
third  of  the  timber  should  be  cut  down  on  any  lot,  and 
that  all  business  houses  should  be  confined  to  the  vicinity 
of  the  railroad  station,  by  which  arrangement  the  village 
of  Sewanee  has  grown  up  around  the  station.  It  was 
also  provided  that  the  residences  erected  above  the 
village  should  be  of  a  certain  value.  We  have  now  at 
Sewanee  village,  a  passenger  and  freight  station,  eight 
business  houses,  several  machanics'  shops,  a  handsome 
stone  church  and  a  very  respectable  colored  church,  and 
forty  or  fifty  dwellings.  Also  a  large  steam  laundry,  a 
steam  saw  mill,  a  lodge  of  Knights  of  Honor  and  a 
Masonic  lodge. 

Leaving  the  village,  University  Avenue  extends  north- 
east over  a  mile,  bordered  with  handsome  dwellings  and 
the  University  buildings.  Other  avenues  are  occupied 
by  private  residences.  Fine  drives  through  the  forest  ex- 
tend to  University  View,  the  Natural  bridge,  Proctor 
Hall,  Morgan's  Steep,  Green's  View,  and  Point  Rutledge. 
Public  roads  extend  to  Cowan,  Monteagle,  Rowarks  and 
Lost  Coves.  Hundreds  of  beautiful  sites  for  residences 
invite  future  occupancy  of  families  from  the  Gulf  States, 
which  was  one  of  the  anticipations  of  the  founders. 

No  lots  are  sold,  but  a  moderate  annual  rental,  less  than 
the  interest  would  be  on  the  value  of  owned  lots,  the  leases 
are  for  a  term  of  thirty-three  years,  and  the  privilege  of 
two  renewals  for  the  same  term. 

The  salubrity  of  the  climate  has  given  Sewanee  a  wide 
reputation  as  a  health  resort,  bringing  many  summer  visi- 
tors, with  numbers  of  little  children  whose  improvement 
i«  quickly  manifested. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  393 

Since  the  cornerstone  of  the  Hodgson  Infirmary  was 
laid,  in  1876,  nine  substantial  stone  buildings  have  been 
erected  for  the  use  of  the  University,  besides  three  frater- 
nity halls  of  stone.  The  Hodgson  Memorial  Chapel  is  now 
in  the  course  of  erection,  and  work  will  before  long  be 
commenced  on  the  new  All  Saints  Chapel,  and  all  this 
in  the  space  of  twenty-eight  years  of  Sewanee  life.  These 
buildings  are  all  of  our  beautiful  Sewanee  sandstone,  and 
will,  no  doubt,  long  remain  memorials  of  the  beneficence 
of  the  friends  of  the  University.  In  style  of  architecture, 
excellence  of  designs  and  suitableness  for  the  various  pur- 
poses for  which  they  were  designed,  they  give  to  the  Uni- 
versity great  dignity  and  a  forecast  of  the  greatness  of  its 
future  development.  Before  many  years  a  hall  of  science, 
a  complete  chemical  laboratory,  the  buildings  for  a  de- 
partment of  technology,  will  be  added,  and  also  additional 
buildings  to  provide  for  the  extension  of  the  theological 
and  medical  departments,  as  well  as  a  complete  plant  for 
the  grammar  school  and  additional  dormitories  for  the 
academic  department,  an  auditorium  to  replace  Forensic 
Hall,  and  a  Gallery  of  Fine  Arts. 

It  hardly  need  be  added  that  a  generous  endowment  of 
the  chairs  of  instruction  should  accompany  the  develop- 
ment of  our  material  plant. 

It  is  now  forty-eight  years  since  the  initial  movement 
for  the  founding  of  the  University  was  had,  and  its  name 
and  location  was  decided  upon  by  trustees  appointed  by 
the  conventions  of  ten  Southern  dioceses. 

It  is  thirty-eight  years  since  Bishop  Quintard  and  the 
writer  came  with  our  families  to  undertake  the  work  of 
resuscitation  of  this  great  scheme.  Thirty-six  years  have 


394  HISTORY    OF    THE 

elapsed  since  it  began  its  educational  work  with  less  than 
ten  students. 

Its  bright  prospects  in  1860,  when  enthusiastic  crowds 
gathered  on  this  mountain  at  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone 
of  what  was  designed  to  be  its  great  central  building,  had 
all  vanished.  The  project  of  its  revival  seemed  almost 
hopeless  in  1866.  The  contrast  between  the  10th  of 
October,  1860,  when  half  a  million  dollars  had  been  sub- 
scribed for  the  work,  and  March  21,  1866,  when  Bishop 
Quintard  in  the  presence  of  less  than  a  score  of  persons, 
planted  the  cross  at  St.  Lukes,  could  hardly  have  been 
more  striking. 

Its  great  founder,  Bishop  Polk,  who  had  won  the  hearts, 
the  confidence  and  the  financial  support  of  friends  of  the 
scheme,  had  passed  away.  So  had  Bishops  Otey,  Cobbs 
and  Freeman.  There  seemed  no  one  to  renew  the  great 
work,  until,  providentially,  the  young,  comparatively  un- 
known and  newly  consecrated  Bishop  Quintard,  of  Ten- 
nessee, took  up  the  task  without  means  and  amidst  the 
poverty  and  desolation  resting  upon  the  South  at  the 
close  of  the  great  Civil  War,  a  task  which  seemed  to  the 
human  eye  hopeless  and  visionary. 

Fortunately  Bishop  Quintard  was  gifted  with  enthu- 
siasm and  with  a  firm  belief  in  the  outcome  of  the  great 
enterprise,  in  the  carrying  out  of  which  he  brought  to 
bear  the  courage,  the  great  faith  and  the  power  of  enlist- 
ing the  sympathies  and  the  aid  of  others,  both  in  England 
and  this  country,  he  created  an  interest  in  the  work  and 
with  unfailing  zeal  and  faith,  labored  continually  for  its 
advancement.  He  lived  to  see  the  University  placed  on  a 
sure  foundation,  its  feeble  beginning  expanded  from  a 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  395 

grammar  school  to  a  real  University,  with  its  theological, 
medical,  law  and  academic  departments  in  full  operation, 
and  a  property  accumulated  valued  at  over  f  700,000.  A 
wonderful  accomplishment  in  view  of  all  the  discourage- 
ments and  disappointments  of  the  period.  Of  its  further 
growth  and  development  the  future  historian  will  speak, 
but  its  early  life,  struggles  and  successes  will  always  be  a 
matter  of  interest  to  those  who  have  watched  its  progress 
and  to  those  who  come  after  us. 


396  HISTORY    OF    THE 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
CONCLUSION. 

In  the  earlier  part  of  the  19th  Century,  comparatively 
little  progress  had  been  made  in  the  matter  of  higher  edu- 
cation. The  University  of  Virginia,  at  Charlottesville, 
held  probably  the  highest  rank.  State  universities  in 
most  of  the  Southern  States  had  been  established  with 
local  patronage  and  narrow  means,  being  really  colleges 
and  not  universities,  in  that  the  arts  and  sciences  were 
their  only  departments. 

Bishop  Polk,  in  1856,  had  brought  out  the  idea  of  estab- 
lishing a  Southern  University  which  would  embrace  all 
departments  of  learning,  to  be  under  the  auspices  of  the 
church.  Three  years  elapsed  before  its  charter,  constitu- 
tion and  statutes,  its  location  and  support,  were  obtained. 

Four  years  of  war  and  desolation  left  behind  them  only 
the  memory  of  the  university  which  was  to  be  founded, 
and  the  domain  upon  which  it  was  to  be  placed,  but  a 
great  thought,  it  has  been  well  said,  never  dies.  Polk  and 
Otey,  Cobbs  and  Freeman  had  passed  away  and  Elliott 
was  soon  called  to  paradise.  A  young  bishop,  born  and 
raised  in  the  North,  who  had  cast  his  fortunes  with  the 
South  for  many  years,  was  raised  up  by  Providence  to 
grasp  the  great  ideal  promulgated  by  Bishop  Polk  and  his 
own  great  predecessor,  Bishop  Otey,  and  in  the  confidence 
of  an  enduring  faith,  devote  all  his  energies  and  enthusi- 
asm to  again  beginning  anew,  in  the  virgin  forest,  the 
work  of  resuscitation  of  an  enterprise  which  seemed  de* 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  3&7 

tined  otherwise  to  perish.  Bishop  Quintard  was  seem- 
ingly the  only  man  who  would  or  could  undertake  the 
work. 

The  bishop  wisely  undertook  no  more  at  the  outset 
than  was  prudent  and  practicable.  He  obtained  no  plans 
of  buildings  of  an  expensive  character,  but  waa  content  to 
do  what  was  within  his  reach,  to  be  used  with  a  prudent 
discretion. 

How  the  University  was  built  up  from  the  two  log  and 
timber  houses  and  the  one  frame  building  of  1866,  pre- 
sents an  interesting  series  of  reminiscences.  The  virgin 
forest,  unbroken  by  the  hand  of  man,  emerging  from  its 
sleep  of  centuries  into  the  active  life  of  a  University 
town,  within  the  average  life  of  a  man,  has  more  than 
ordinary  interest,  in  that  its  growth  and  development 
were  the  results  of  a  high  Christian  ideal.  A  growth  and 
expansion  not  based  upon  the  creation  of  wealth  or  tem- 
poral gain,  but  upon  the  development  of  the  highest  facul- 
ties of  the  human  race.  Its  promoters  were  not  the  serv- 
ants of  Mammon,  but  the  servants  of  the  Most  High 
God,  looking  to  the  highest  and  immortal  interests1  of 
their  fellowmen,  especially  the  coming  race  represented 
by  the  youth  of  the  South.  A  rapid  review  of  the  dates 
of  construction  of  the  different  University  buildings  may 
be  of  interest. 

As  has  been  stated,  Bishop  Quintard  and  Major  Fair- 
banks built  their  houses  in  1866.  The  oldest  residence 
now  at  Sewanee  is  the  timber  house  erected  by  the  writer 
in  1866,  nearly  opposite  the  University  library.  The  first 
building  owned  by  the  University  was  Otey  Hall,  erected 
by  Bishop  Quintard  for  a  training  school  in  1866,  and 


398  HISTORY    OF    THE 

donated  to  the  University.  It  stood  nearly  in  front  of  the 
Walsh  Memorial  Hall,  and  was  burned  in  1880.  The  next 
building  put  up  by  the  University  was  a  dormitory  of  eight 
small  rooms,  adjacent  to  Otey  Hall,  and  now  forming  a 
part  of  the  Elmore  Boarding  House.  The  nucleus  of  the 
present  chapel  was  erected  in  1867,  of  the  dimensions  of 
32  feet  by  24  feet,  and  a  shallow  chancel,  repeatedly  en- 
larged since.  Four  dormitories  of  four  rooms  each  were 
erected,  which  have  since  been  sold  to  private  parties.  The 
building  known  as  Tremlett  Hall  was  erected  in  1868  as 
a  dormitory.  Forensic  Hall,  in  the  chapel  yard,  was  erected 
in  1874  by  the  joint  efforts  of  Prof.  Caskie  Harrison 
and  the  writer.  The  Hodgson  Library,  now  the  Hodgson 
Infirmary,  was  began  in  1876,  and  was  the  first  stone 
building  erected  by  the  University.  This  was  followed, 
in  1877,  by  St.  Lukes  Theological  Hall,  given  by  Mrs. 
Manigault.  Next  came  Thompson  Hall,  the  present  Medi- 
cal Hall,  built  in  1883.  The  Library  Building,  formerly 
known  as  Convocation  Hall  and  Gymnasium,  was  erected 
in  1886.  Walsh  Memorial  Hall  in  1891,  Hoffman  Memor- 
ial Hall  in  1898,  and  Quintard  Memorial  Hall  in  1901. 
The  supply  store  in  1900,  and  the  bank  adjacent  in  1903. 
Additions  were  made  to  the  Hodgson  Library  Building  in 
1900,  and  to  Thompson  Hall  in  1901. 

The  possibilities  of  creating  Sewanee  a  place  of  beauty 
are  beyond  question.  What  has  already  been  done  by 
individuals  indicates  what  might  be  done,  if  it  had  the 
means,  by  the  University  itself.  Whitewashed  board 
fences  are  not  the  proper  embellishment  of  beautiful 
buildings  and  magnificent  forest  growth. 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  399 

In  the  matter  of  endowment  Sewanee  has  received  com- 
paratively little,  but  still  something.  All  her  buildings 
have  been  gifts,  and  for  scholarships  and  other  purposes, 
about  |160,000  has  so  far  been  given.  An  endowment 
fund  of  half  a  million  would  enable  the  University  to 
reach  far  beyond  its  present  growth.  We  have  gone  from 
the  nine  students  of  the  first  term  up  to  an  enrollment 
of  nearly  six  hundred.  From  the  great  area  of  the  South 
we  should  have  five  times  that  number.  Over  3,000  stu- 
dents have  matriculated  up  to  this  time.  The  sons  of 
many  of  the  students  are  now  in  the  University  registers. 
The  influence  of  those  who  have  been  educated  at  Se- 
wanee during  the  past  thirty-six  years  ought  to  be  an 
ever  widening  factor  in  the  future  growth  of  the  Univer- 
sity, both  in  the  number  of  students  and  in  benefactions. 

This  institution  seemed  now  to  be  fairly  established, 
but  how  has  it  been  established?  Not  by  the  easy  road  of 
large  benefactions  from  men  of  very  large  fortunes,  fur- 
nishing ample  means  to  at  once  erect  all  necessary  build- 
ings and  equipments,  with  endowments  to  support  profes- 
sorships and  students,  but  little  by  little,  small  sums 
laboriously  gathered  by  continuous  pleading  at  home  and 
abroad,  single  benefactions  or  legacies  from  only  moder- 
ately well-off  people,  and  yet  about  $160,000  of  money 
endowment  has  been  accumulated.  Nor  should  we  fail 
to  mention  that  the  institution  has  come  to  its  present 
most  hopeful  condition  through  the  self-sacrifice,  care  and 
privation  of  its  able  professors,  who  have  labored  man- 
fully and  faithfully  on  small  salaries,  declining  large 
salaries  elsewhere,  for  the  love  of  the  University  they 
believed  in  and  labored  for.  A  large  degree  of  gratitude 


400  HISTORY    OF    THE 

is  due  to  all  these  faithful  men  of  unquestioned  ability, 
who  have  given  a  reputation  to  Sewanee  and  helped  to 
make  it  what  it  is. 

But  what  shall  we  predict  of  its  future,  except  that 
it  will  be,  under  Providence,  what  the  church  and  its 
alumni  and  those  entrusted  with  its  government  shall 
make  it.  The  cause  of  higher  education  has  greatly  ad- 
vanced in  public  estimation  of  late  years.  The  possessors 
of  large  fortunes  have  come  to  realize  that  no  use  of  their 
means  will  redound  more  to  their  credit  than  the  endow- 
ment of  educational  institutions,  that  they  can  build  no 
more  enduring  memorial  than  those  which  will  connect 
their  names  with  halls  of  learning.  That  while  what  is 
merely  for  personal  achievement  or  distinction  will  pass 
away,  the  work  done  or  helped  for  the  educational  ad- 
vancement of  the  race  will  continue  to  augment  for  untold 
years.  The  names  of  many  of  England's  warriors  and 
great  sea  captains  have  faded  from  memory,  but  the 
name  of  William  of  Wykham  has  been  honored  for 
these  hundreds  of  years  past,  and  will  be  for  many  hun- 
dreds of  years  to  come,  more  than  that  of  any  hero  of  the 
battlefield. 

Without  any  great  stretch  of  the  imagination  I  can 
forsee,  with  the  eye  of  an  abounding  faith,  the  University 
growing  year  by  year  in  reputation  and  usefulness,  so 
that  the  youth  of  the  South  will  seek  to  be  enrolled  here, 
and  no  student  educated  at  Sewanee  will  care  to  seek  hon- 
ors or  degrees  elsewhere. 

When  the  people  of  the  South,  and  especially  church- 
men, will  regard  the  University  as  Englishmen  regard 
their  Oxford  or  Cambridge,  when  to  have  been  a  Sewanee 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  401 

graduate  \vill  be  a  source  of  gratification  and  a  passport 
wherever  good  scholarship  and  Christian  culture  shall  be 
held  in  regard,  and  when  the  line  of  collegiate  buildings 
now  outlined  around  Manigault  Park  shall  be  filled  out 
with  other  still  nobler  structures,  and  there  shall  arise  a 
collegiate  church  of  grand  and  imposing  dimensions, 
with  its  lofty  crown-capped  spire  the  central  and  crown- 
ing feature,  denoting  that  Sewanee  is  first  and  above  all 
a  church  University,  the  idea  of  its  founders  will  be  real- 
ized. 

We  have  at  the  beginning  of  this  20th  century  much 
cause  for  gratification.  From  the  ashes  of  the  Civil  War 
the  University  has  risen  to  be  far  more  than  a  memory  or 
a  name  or  an  undeveloped  dream. 

When  the  grand  forest  domain  shall  be  improved  in 
every  part,  its  natural  beauties  aided  by  the  art  of  the 
landscape  gardener  and  the  skillful  forester,  by  graded 
roads,  rustic  bridges,  beautiful  outlooks  over  the  adjacent 
country  from  well-chosen  points,  long  vistas  opening 
through  forest  glades;  fountains,  statues  and  other 
embellishments  commemorating  men  great  in  literature 
and  art ;  when  all  this  is  done,  in  the  course  of  the  coming 
century,  Sewanee  will  have  a  world-wide  reputation  as  the 
most  beautiful  seat  of  learning  on  the  globe. 

Now  in  this,  these  opening  years  of  the  century,  we 
have  great  cause  of  hopefulness  for  the  years  to  come. 
The  South  seems  to  be  entering  upon  a  period  of  pros- 
perity. Its  staples  of  cotton,  cane,  rice,  tobacco,  iron, 
coal,  marble,  corn,  wheat  and  other  grains,  its  vast  tim- 
ber forests,  its  phosphate  deposits,  its  gushing  oil  wells, 
its  cattle,  horses  and  mules,  are  in  great  demand,  and  its 


402  HISTORY    OF    THE 

manufacture  of  cotton,  steel,  etc.,  are  yearly  increasing. 
With  such  an  area  of  wealth-producing  country  the  Uni- 
versity should,  and  no  doubt  will,  be  cherished,  aided  and 
perfected. 

All  our  departments  are  well  filled  with  able  professors. 
We  have  as  the  administration  head  of  the  University 
Prof.  B.  Lawton  Wiggins,  M.  A.,  LL.  D.,  young  in  years, 
but  who,  during  the  years  he  has  filled  the  office  of  vice 
chancellor,  has  shown  remarkable  business  talent,  as  well 
as  high  scholarship — an  unusual  but  extremely  fortunate 
combination  in  this  case,  and  one  rarely  found.  In  the 
prime  of  life,  blessed  with  health  and  wonderful  power  of 
endurance,  he  has  succeeded  in  drawing  together  and 
straightening  out  the  tangled  skeins  of  finance,  scholastic 
work,  discipline,  police  and  general  superintendence  over 
lands  and  buildings,  advisory  to  the  commissioners  of 
buildings  and  lands,  roads,  streets  and  improvements. 

Vice  Chancellor  Wiggins  is  an  alumnus  of  this  Univer- 
sity. Born  on  September  11,  1861,  at  Sand  Ridge,  S.  C., 
receiving  his  earlier  education  at  the  Porter  Academy, 
Charleston,  S.  C.?  he  entered  the  junior  department  of 
the  University  in  1877,  and  graduated  as  master  of  arts 
in  1882.  Became  an  assistant  in  the  school  of  ancient 
languages  and  was  elected  professor  of  that  chair  in 
succession  to  Prof.  Caskie  Harrison  in  1882,  and  has 
continued  to  fill  that  position  ever  since.  He  was  elected 
vice  chancellor  in  1893,  in  succession  to  Bishop  Gailor, 
for  the  term  of  five  years,  and  reelected  in  1898  during 
"good  behavior,"  without  limitation,  a  very  high  and  de- 
served compliment  to  his  efficiency  in  that  office.  The  de- 
gree of  doctor  of  laws  was  conferred  on  him  in  1902  by 


UNIVERSITY    OF    THE    SOUTH.  403 

Trinity  College,  Connecticut.  He  married  Clara,  daughter 
of  Bishop  Quintard,  and  now  occupies  the  handsome  resi- 
dence of  the  late  bishop.  In  1903  the  board  of  trustees 
passed  a  resolution  placing  upon  record  its  grateful  ap- 
preciation of  his  faithful  services,  which  have  been  charac- 
terized by  earnest  devotion  to  duty  and  signal  ability,  re- 
sulting in  the  upbuilding  and  growth  of  the  University 
to  a  most  gratifying  degree. 


UNIVER3H 

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